2026 Pentecost Devotions I
Saturday, July 18
Matthew 13:36-43
36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; 38 the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, 42 and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!”
“… “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; …”
No matter how careful I am in sowing seeds – preparing the soil, raking out the unwanted vegetation, fertilizing the ground, and providing ample water – weeds still appear. While I don’t attribute the weed growth to some demonic entity, I recognize that they are a hindrance to a productive garden. Weeding thus becomes part of the “gardening experience.”
Sometimes, the same is true of our lives of faith. No matter how careful we are with faithful living – reading our Bibles, spending time in prayer, worshiping with our sisters and brothers in church, and seeking to live according to God’s commands – difficulties still arise. Like weeds in even the most manicured garden, sometimes life’s struggles and challenges continue to crop up.
Of course, that’s when it’s important to remember who sowed the good seed in us. It’s good to recall the baptismal promise that we are children of God and inheritors of eternal life. It’s good to celebrate that we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit who abides with us always. It’s good to know that the Lord holds us in the palm of his hand.
When the Lord sows in us good seed it’s not to prevent the weeds but to help us endure, grow, and flourish amidst the weeds.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the good seed You have planted in me. When the weeds threaten to distract me from You, remind me of Your baptismal promise and the Spirit’s presence. Amen.