The WORD today reminds me that God is always in control.
In life, there are a lot of situations that catch us off guard. No matter how well and how intensive and exhaustive you plan and prepare, there are still surprises that can happen. Scenarios you did not think of. And during these times, reactions of people vary. We usually cannot think normally when these things happen. Good thing this does not happen to God.
In the gospel, we see the enemy planting weeds in the farmer’s field, a field that was planted with good seed. However, when the farmer saw it, he did not have it immediately cut out, even if he knew it was from the enemy. He did not panic. Instead, he gave time for the weed and the wheat to grow, then when the time was right, he separated them from each other and burned the weed.
What a way to remind us that God is always in control.
God does not panic. When he saw the weeds, he knew it was the enemy’s work. However, he knew pulling them out at once might affect those wheat who are still growing their roots. It may look like he was not in control because the enemy was able to plant weeds which grew. For that instance, probably doesn’t look like it. However, we see that in the end, he was in full control, and he burned the weeds and the wheat were able to grow fully.
God is in control of our lives. Sometimes we may not feel like it. Sometimes we may only see the weeds. Sometimes we fail to focus on the growing wheat and only see the annoying weed and say that God is not in control. We may see evil people prospering, we may see them being rich and powerful. We sometimes focus on them, and fail to see God slowly working in people who are developing their roots, on people ready and willing to bear fruit for him. He gives us time to develop and serve him. however, when the time comes, he will come and separate the weed from the productive wheat. That is what we should look forward to.
This is a good reminder during this pandemic. It has been more than a year. We may feel it is helpless. Government response is very frustrating. Corruption is rampant. Even people who want to help by organizing community pantries are given a hard time - either harassed by the police, or being asked for permit by agencies. Seems God has abandoned us in the hands of corrupt and incompetent people. Evil people. But he has not. He is watching over us and has plans for everyone- the good and the bad. We just have to trust in him and do our part until he comes.
Do I know that God is in control of my life and of everything? Do I focus on the enemy and the seemingly powerful weeds in my life and in the world? Am I afraid of them,? Do I lose faith on God? Am I willing to wait until I grow in faith and produce fruits for him? Am I excited when he comes to separate the weeds from the wheat?
May we always remember that no matter what the situation is, God is always in control.
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for reminding me that you are in control, even if sometimes, it does not look like it. Lord, sorry for not always thinking this. Sorry if I doubt you, your love, and your power. Sorry for being easily overwhelmed. I ask that I always trust in you and that I always focus on you, even if there are seemingly powerful and annoying weeds around me. May I trust that you are allowing us to grow roots and enable us to withstand the weeds in our lives. Amen.
Blessed Weekend!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
See related reflection:
July 24, 2021
Saturday of Week 16; St. Sharbel Makhlouf
FIRST READING
When Moses came to the people and related all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all answered with one voice, “We will do everything that the LORD has told us.” Moses then wrote down all the words of the LORD and, rising early the next day, he erected at the foot of the mountain an altar and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. Then, having sent certain young men of the children of Israel to offer burnt offerings and sacrifice young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD, Moses took half of the blood and put it in large bowls; the other half he splashed on the altar. Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people, who answered, “All that the LORD has said, we will heed and do.” Then he took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words of his.”
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. (14a) Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.
God the LORD has spoken and summoned the earth, from the rising of the sun to its setting. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.
R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.
“Gather my faithful ones before me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” And the heavens proclaim his justice; for God himself is the judge.
R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.
“Offer to God praise as your sacrifice and fulfill your vows to the Most High; Then call upon me in time of distress; I will rescue you, and you shall glorify me.”
R. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”
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