Resist the Devil’s weeds with the strength of the Sacraments

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 17, 2011
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Gospel: Matt. 13:24-43 The enemy sows weeds among the wheat

Full homily text: Today’s gospel, like last week, talks about farming. Many of us have little experience with farming in our culture of large industrial farms. Yet, we do know a little about gardening. As a teenager, I worked for my uncle who ran a part-time landscaping business. We did some landscaping, but mostly mowing lawns and cemeteries. However, on occasion we were hired to work on a few flower beds. I knew nothing about flowers, but my uncle showed me a few things. My job was to pull the weeds. It was tough, because so many weeds looked like flowers to me. I did my best, but I am sure that some flowers were accidentally pulled out that day.

Is God calling you to become a Mercedarian friar? Take our “” survey and find out. Fr. Joseph Eddy is the vocation director of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, founded to redeem Christians whose faith is in danger.

Visit Fr. Joseph’s Facebook page, or the website of the .

The Gospel today speaks to us about a wheat field. The farmer sows good seed, but “while everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds.” When the crop grew up the weeds and the wheat were mixed together.  It seems logical that the farmer would then just go and pull out the weeds, but he doesn’t. He allows them to remain till harvest for fear that the wheat might be destroyed.

At harvest time, the weeds will be collected and burned. This parable of Jesus spotlights the effects of the sin in a community. Of course, Jesus is especially referring to the community of the Church and the problems that will be faced by the Church he is establishing.

Sacraments flow from the side of Christ

Jesus established the Church from his wounded side while he hung upon the cross. As the soldier thrust the lance into Jesus’ dead body, blood and water flowed out. This blood and water is the sacramental life of the Church. In baptism, we are washed clean of original sin; the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us and we receive sanctifying grace. The Eucharist, Christ’s Body and Blood, become our nourishment on the journey. As we receive the other five Sacraments, we are strengthened in holiness. Those who believe, receive these Sacraments and are brought into communion with Jesus and his Body the Church. Jesus’ Body is the Church, which makes the Church holy. The holiness of the Church is the fountain of sanctification for all those who belong to her. This is why the Church, through her Sacraments, has produced so many holy examples throughout the centuries.

Yet, when we hear this we can be left confused and we struggle to believe it. If the Church is holy, then how come so many members, even bishops and priests, are not holy? We are living in an age that is very morally permissive in one way, but at the same time is quick to cry out when scandal occurs. Certainly, scandal is always a bad thing, but unfortunately it does happen even in the Church. We must work to avoid any type of scandal from hindering the Church’s mission to preach the Gospel to all nations. This is especially true of those who minister on behalf of Christ’s Body, the Church.

How can the Church have sinners?

But, the question still remains, how can the Church, which is holy, be composed of people who are not holy and even at times very sinful? The answer lies in the readings today. The first reading tells us that God has “care for all.” He is “lenient to all” meaning that God forgives us our transgression over and over. He waits patiently for so many of us to come to the knowledge of his love for us, which is shown in the Sacraments. God respects our free will, because he wants us to choose on our own the path which is best. Time and time again the good shepherd seeks out the lost sheep. God will not force himself on anyone, but he gives everyone sufficient grace to be saved.

In the Church there are and always will be weeds and wheat (saints and sinners). Holy people, who bear much fruit, are present among the religious, priests, and lay people. But, also, the weeds or sinners are present among the religious, priests, and lay people.

The enemy is the Devil

We must be honest that “the enemy” is real, and his name is the Devil.  He is not a god. The Devil is a fallen angel, and so is limited in his power. The Devil has more power than us, but nowhere near the power of God. The Lord allows him certain limited authority to tempt and “sow” his evil seeds. Yet, he cannot interfere with our free will, or force us to do things we do not want to do. The Devil works especially hard to destroy the Church and family life. He is involved in much of the scandal and sin we hear about from members of the Church who have fallen.

For our part as faithful Catholics striving for holiness, we must pray and do penance for the sins of ourselves and others. Scandal is a terrible thing, but our God is compassionate and forgiving. The Lord can and will forgive anyone who comes to him with a contrite heart. We do not know the intentions or motives of others and, thus, we cannot judge. For ourselves we must entrust our lives each day to the Lord and pray to remain faithful.

God is all powerful

With God there is no fear, he is all powerful and sustains us each day through the Sacraments. Our journey will contain many encounters with the weeds and the wheat of this world. May we remain faithful and bear much fruit, building up the Church and allowing Christ to shine more brightly through its members as a light for all nations.