Wheat and Weeds

Whether you are a Master Gardner or a novice gardener, we all know that weeds need to be eliminated. This is true not only because they simply take up space better used, but they also detract from beauty, take up needed shade, and valuable soil and nutrients that can be better used for growth. The simple matter of eliminating weeds adds ascetic beauty and/or makes possible needed food. So why would Jesus say, “Let wheat and weeds grow together.” This makes no sense.

Even if we think of the famous parable of reckless farmer planting seeds, who throws seed “here, there and everywhere,” where again, it seems Jesus has a strange sense of agriculture, something is off. At least Jesus is consistent. But we all know how seeds grow and why they need good soil. At least in this Sower/seed parable, Jesus acknowledges what weeds can do. They choke out good growth. So again, why would Jesus advise NOT to take out unwanted weeds, so that growth can come. Why wait? Certainly, we are called to do something about things that are harmful! These are some of the questions to ponder this week. I invite you to read the whole text — Matthew 13:24–30 to prepare for Sunday.

Perhaps the deeper question is the unspoken one we might all have.