When weeding your garden while plants are still seedlings, desirable plants and weeds can look much alike. This is the experience of the church trying to grapple with good and evil in its midst. Prophet Jeremiah interceding for God’s mercy pleads forgiveness for the wickedness of the people. God alone knows all and permits all. Jesus in this parable shows us that the church is not the final Judge, but the Lord is the Judge.

With this image Jesus tells us that in the world the good and the evil are so intertwined that it is difficult to separate and eradicate all evil. The Lord will do so in the last judgement. Pope Francis highlights that evil comes from the enemy, the evil one. Satan acts in darkness, in secret, in confusion. That is why, Jesus said that we are to walk as children of Light. As we battle against evil, and strive to do what is right in God’s sight, let us remember that it is a long battle. We need to be consistent and persistent in our efforts. Those who keep trying will be able to reach the goal.

Prayer: Abba Father, keep us from judging and condemning others, we place all our hope in you. Amen.