Heavenly Father, bless our world. Over the years we have done countless things to devastate Your beautiful creation. As we struggle to put things right, we want to take the time to thank You for this world we live in. Thank You for the air we breathe, for blue skies, clouds, and rain. Thank You for oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams. Thank You for our vast forests and trees, for deserts and swamps. Thank You for the animals with whom we share this world. Thank You for the opportunity to work to make our world more “green.” Amen.
Matthew 13:24-30
Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds.
"The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man
who sowed good seed in his field.
While everyone was asleep his enemy came
and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off.
When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well.
The slaves of the householder came to him and said,
'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field?
Where have the weeds come from?'
He answered, 'An enemy has done this.'
His slaves said to him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
He replied, 'No, if you pull up the weeds
you might uproot the wheat along with them.
Let them grow together until harvest;
then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters,
"First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning;
but gather the wheat into my barn."'"
Refection question:
How do you gather the wheat of your life and share it with others as a gift?