By Janné Grover, First Presidency

Let both of them grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.

Life is full of wheat and weeds, highs and lows, joy and sorrow. The parable of the weeds can be discouraging knowing that, despite our best choices and planting, those pesky weeds creep in or get planted without our knowing. There is no avoiding the fact that we have to deal with the weeds. Such is the reality of life in community. Building communities of oneness takes work, patience, acceptance, vulnerability, and compromise. This is true in families, congregations, schools, places of work, and wherever two or three are gathered.

Sometimes the weeds in my life have been choices, sometimes people, and sometimes circumstances beyond my control. I have grown to understand removing life-weeds is neither the point of this passage nor the essence of the gospel. Christ modeled a way of weed-tending marked by forgiveness, reconciliation, unity in diversity, and wholeness. We are not to judge another as wheat or weed, but let all grow together. Unjust life circumstances of violence, abuse, poverty, and hunger are the weeds that choke out the hope of human potential. These circumstances remind us of the global weed-tending that is Christ’s mission and our shared mission.

The hope-filled ending in this passage is that wheat prevails! When life choices or circumstances beyond our control leave us feeling choked by the weeds of our planting or others’ planting, God’s reign of love and justice is the final word. “Let everyone one with ears listen” affirms this burden and blessing is for everyone.

Prayer Phrase

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Deepening Roots

A tree with superficial roots will wither during drought, or severe storms may uproot it. A tree whose roots go deep is stable and draws from deep waters. Imagine yourself as a tree by a river or stream. Sense your roots extending deep into the earth in search of God’s Spirit. Reflect or pray about what you hope to find as your spirit searches for deeper identity in God.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.