The gospel tells us that the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. His enemies came and sowed darnels. It is impossible to distinguish wheat in the early stages of growth. Only later in its growth that the darnel can be distinguished from wheat. The reading speaks of God’s leniency. He gives sinners time for repentance because though he is just, he is also merciful. Through this patience God teaches humans how they must behave towards their fellow humans. The virtuous must be understanding towards others and slow to condemn.
This is the reality of human life too. Good and evil are seatmates in our Church, in our home and in our hearts. How do we handle sinners? Do we let evil people co-exist with the rest of the community or do we imprison or execute them? Are we ready with condemnation and punishment at once whenever we meet a sinner or does the division of our own heart keep us humble? The parable advocates patience with the sinner since our eagerness to exterminate him may too easily expose ourselves to the same danger for who is not raising weeds in his own yard?
