Reflection for July 28 Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:36-43

Gospel: Matthew 13:36-43

Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field." He said in reply, "He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom.

The weeds are the children of the Evil One, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 

The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear."

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Reflection:

The story is told of a sinful man who suddenly died. He was immediately ushered by the devil into his fiery kingdom. The man wailed and resisted his immediate entry into Satan's domain, but he could do nothing to change his destiny.

If only he had repented of his sins. If only he had listened to the loving advice of those who urged him to change for the better and embrace God, he would not have ended up in hell. Sadly, he ignored every opportunity to turn back to the Lord until it was too late.

This story reminds us that every day of our lives is a gift from God and an opportunity to choose Him. While we still have breath, His mercy remains available to us. The Lord never grows weary of calling us to repentance, forgiveness, and a life that reflects His love. He patiently sows the seeds of truth, faith, hope, and holiness in our hearts, longing to see them bear abundant fruit.

There are two opposing powers in this world: one is God, and the other is Satan. God continually sows good seeds in us, while Satan sows weeds. From our conception and birth until our final breath, God's deepest desire is to fill our hearts with His grace and lead us to eternal life.

Yet as we journey through life, Satan constantly seeks to draw us away from God through countless temptations and deceptive promises. If we give in to these enticements, they will only lead us toward spiritual ruin and separation from the One who loves us most. Sin may promise temporary pleasure, but it ultimately robs us of the lasting peace and joy that only Christ can give.

Therefore, let us reject sin and anything that leads us away from God. Let us turn our backs on the devil and his countless deceptions, and instead embrace the Lord with trusting and faithful hearts. Even when following Jesus requires sacrifice, perseverance, and courage, let us continue walking in His footsteps, for His way is the way of truth, the way of life, and the path that leads to heaven.

Today, let us prayerfully examine our hearts. Are we allowing God to cultivate the good seeds He has planted within us, or are we permitting the weeds of sin to take root? While the Lord continues to offer us His mercy, may we choose Him without delay, faithfully follow Christ each day, and encourage one another to walk the path that leads to eternal life.

When the Lord calls us home, will He find our hearts surrendered to Him and ready to enter His eternal kingdom?—Marino J. Dasmarinas