From the Friars: Pulling Weeds

Those opposed to the Church for whatever reason often bring up different scandals, real or perceived, that have occurred over the centuries. The standard list includes the crusades or other wars of religion, the Galileo incident, immoral popes, the inquisition, and most recently, clergy sexual abuse. The point here is not to clarify the truth of these particular issues but to see their relation to today’s gospel parable about the weeds among the wheat. Our Lord is preparing us for the reality of people inside the Church who commit evil.

The parable implies that sometimes it is better to temporarily tolerate some evil to prevent worse things. This is not to say that immoral behavior should not be addressed, but only that extreme attempts to uproot all iniquity will likely result in the innocent suffering along with the guilty. Covering up scandals is also a grave offense. Delayed justice is difficult for us to accept, especially if we are personally hurt by someone in the Church. Most of us have had negative and painful experiences, some perhaps very serious, because of weeds among the wheat. We want swift and strict retribution, and are further angered if nothing is done to address the problem.

Jesus is not only preparing us for the scandals that inevitably will come, but is also assuring us that justice will be done. The weeds will be thrown “into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” (Mt 13:42)

We certainly should not desire anyone’s condemnation or suffering. The Lord teaches us to love our enemies and to pray for their conversion and salvation. But for those who refuse to repent there will be a reckoning.

The ultimate Justice of God can give us consolation when the evils of the world seem to have the upper hand. But, as always, we must examine our own conscience to see if we ourselves have been doing wrong or causing others to do so.

The enemy is always trying to sow the weed of sin in our soul.

May Our Blessed Mother help us to be authentic children of the Kingdom, so that we may shine like the sun for all eternity.

Amen.

— Fr. Peter