Matthew 13:36-43 NRSVue
36Then 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.” 37He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; 38the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, 39and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, 42and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!
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Reflection on Matthew 13:36-43
Inspiration from 2026-07-28 Daily Prayer
Again, Jesus has to explain one of his parables to his disciples, so I sit with them in my imagination and listen in order to learn. Jesus’ companions were advised not to pass judgement on the actions of those around them – we do not know why people do as they do – so let us leave the judging to God. Do I too often notice the failings of others whilst thinking myself without blemish?
Further reflection
Where there is life, there is always hope of redemption and of the triumph of good over evil. The ultimate victory of goodness and love, truth and justice will be accomplished by the Son of Man at ‘the harvest at the end of the age’.
Lord, take possession of my ‘field’ – my heart and my life – so that ‘the evil one’ may not have any power over me. Help my unique light to shine out in the world, just like ‘the righteous who shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father’.