The Weeds in the Wheat: Stay Out of the Garden!
This parable is part of a series of parables Jesus continues to use, which develops Matthew’s theme of fulfillment(“I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world”--Psalm 78). Indeed this parable is part of a series of parables about the acceptance and rejection of Jesus. this them of acceptance tinged with rejection is especially relevant for Matthew’s community who, at the end of the first century are experiencing rejection within the Jewish community.
Today’s parable suggests the “weeds” appearing among the “wheat” represent those within the Christian community who are subverting Christ’s kingdom, “the field”. On another level, the field is the landscape of the human heart where the Christian must pursue the spiritual life while struggling against the evil from within.
In response to the “weeds among the wheat”, Jesus counsel’s patience and tolerance. It is the Son of Man who will oversee the final judgment and separation of the weeds from the wheat. We are asked to refrain from weeding the fields lest we destroy the good with the bad. Christians on a weeding tear have historically done a great deal of damage. Think of the Inquisition and the Crusades as a couple of notable examples. In considering the substantial damage done to the kingdom by zealous gardeners, best we leave the weeding to the pros. But what can we do with our itch to weed?
Perhaps our zealous weeding should first be practiced within our hearts, where the Holy Spirit and mature spiritual direction can affect a greater purification. Put away your weed killers and trowels; see what the weeds look like first that lie sprouting within your heart, and by the time you have finished that job, God’s judgment will surely have been visited upon the world.
—Fr. Todd
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