Saturday of week 16 in Ordinary Time 



Jeremiah 7:1-11

Psalm 83(84):3-6,8,11

Matthew 13:24-30



THE LORD IS KIND AND PATIENT WITH US


In our first reading from Jeremiah, God confronts the people of Israel through the prophet: “Reform your ways and your deeds, so that I may remain with you in this place. Put not your trust in the deceitful words: ‘This is the temple of the Lord!’” People were taking God’s mercy for granted because they figured they were exempt, so to speak, from any moral considerations because they worshiped in the Temple.




We can’t presume we are saints simply because we belong to a certain group of people or a certain faith. Likewise, we can’t presume others are sinners simply because they don’t belong. The challenge sometimes is to be patient and honest with ourselves as to what kind of “wheat” or “weeds” we happen to be.




But if we are truly humble, knowing that we need God’s grace, and grateful that God loves us beyond anything and is patient with us then we will be open to God removing what leads us to be more like “weeds,” and letting God transform us into “wheat.” we too can help others be healed and transformed by God’s love in Jesus Christ.



May we continue to experience God’s mercy and love and may no one be thrown away at the end of our lives. Amen. 

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