From the Pastor

WEEKLY MESSAGE FROM FATHER MIKE…

Last week’s Gospel spoke about the seed planted in good soil that would product a harvest “a hundred, sixty, or thirtyfold." This weekend, the Gospel once again speaks about seed, but from a different perspective. 

Jesus tells us that while the farmer slept, his enemy came under the cover of darkness and sowed weeds among the good seed. Imagine that! What kind of neighbor would do such a thing? 

The truth is that we all encounter "bad neighbors" in life. Sometimes they actually live next door. More often, they are people who have hurt us, disappointed us, or made our lives difficult. They may be miles away, yet they still occupy space in our minds and hearts. 

Our natural reaction is to strike back. We want to get even. We want justice on our terms. We want to pull up the weeds. 

But Jesus offers us a different response. 

In the parable, the farm workers ask the master, "Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?" The master replies, "No. If you pull up the weeds now, you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest." 

In other words, let God be the judge. 

That doesn't mean we ignore evil or pretend it doesn't exist. It means we trust that God sees everything, knows every heart, and will bring about justice in His time and in His way. 

Perhaps the harder question is not whether there are weeds in someone else's field. 

The harder question is this: Will I trust God enough to let Him do the judging?

FATHER MIKE’S DAILY MESSAGE

Every morning Father Mike sends out a spiritual message to everyone who signs up to receive it. Sometimes Father’s message inspires us, teaches us, consoles us or, more often, challenges us to put our faith into action. You can receive Father’s message by either email or text message. If you would like to receive Father's message, call the Immaculate Conception parish office at 570-636-3035 and give Janet your email address or your cell phone number. It’s a great way to start your morning!