Jer 7:1-11 Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6a+8a, 11 Matt 13:24-30

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

Today’s Gospel reading is one of my favorites.  Let's read through it and reflect:

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.'"

What I love most about this Gospel is its ease to allow one to transition into some deep reflection.  Let's spend a few moments in reflection.

The Examen.
A time to recall my presence to you, Christ, and to others.

I ask that you abide with me, wherever and however I am at this moment: at home, getting ready for work, enjoying the morning, at work, relaxing after a long day, happy, sad, excited, apprehensive, stressed, content, at peace.

Lord, you created me as the wheat; you made me good.  What talents, strengths, abilities have you blessed me with?

Have I shared those gifts with others?

What weeds are present in my life?  What keeps me from loving you, Lord, others, and myself?

How can I live a faithful life in the constant presence and pressures from such ‘weeds’?  How can I remain rooted in your love?

How can I separate myself from the weeds?  Ask for a prayer of forgiveness and resolve.

Lord, I ask that you be in me, and I in you.  Allow me to live my life glorifying Your name and Your Kingdom here on earth in my thoughts, words, and actions. Amen.