KINGDOM, MIGHT AND MERCY - 16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (7/23/23)

16^th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
July 23, 2023

Wisdom 12:13, 16-19
Psalm 86
Romans 8:26-27
Matthew 13:24-43

KINGDOM, MIGHT AND MERCY

What did Jesus speak about more than anything else? The kingdom of God. In today's readings, we hear about the kingdom of God, together with sin and evil, as well as the power and mercy of God. A full catechesis today in the word of God!

WISDOM

The book of Wisdom was written rather "late," that is, about a century before Christ. Today's reading begins with an emphasis on the power of God and his mercy. "Your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all."

Although God is all-powerful, he judges with clemency, with great mercy and lenience. For this, we sinners are most grateful and can have hope that, if we repent, God will grant forgiveness.

The Responsorial, Psalm 86, is a song of praise to God for his goodness, mercy, and forgiveness.

GOSPEL

The Kingdom of God is mentioned a total of 51 times in St. Matthew's gospel. Today's gospel reading is an example of several parables about the kingdom. The main parable today is that of the Weed and the Wheat, in which an enemy sows weeds among the good seed. The Lord allows them both to grow together in the kingdom until the judgment comes.

And we have a striking reminder that judgment will indeed come and what its consequences will be: "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."

ROMANS

Our second reading deals with prayer plus our human weakness - not a great combination, as anyone knows who has tried to pray! The answer to this dilemma is the Holy Spirit, who helps us "with inexpressible groanings."

Those who have had the experience of being close enough to hear St. John Paul II pray in his private chapel testify to hearing him pray with "inexpressible groanings," prompted by the Holy Spirit.

THE MYSTERY OF THE KINGDOM

Jesus came to establish the kingdom of God. He preached and taught of the mystery of the kingdom of God and described it in numerous parables, as we hear today.

What can we take away from this? God is all-powerful and all-merciful. "God's tender mercies are over all his works" (Psalm 145:19).

The Lord allows the enemy to sow evil - the weeds - in the kingdom until the judgment. God gives everyone a chance to repent, but judgment will definitely come and will have consequences.

Our life here on earth is a test. To make it through to our goal, we need the Holy Spirit, who always helps us in our weakness. Come, Holy Spirit!