WEEDS AMONG THE WHEAT
Jesus mentioned weeds in his parable of the Weeds Among the Wheat (Mt 13:24-30, 36-43). The weeds were not part of the creation of the world. They came into existence only after the fall of the first parents. While judging Adam, God said: “Cursed is the ground because of you! In toil you shall eat its yield all the days of your life. Thorns and thistles it shall bear for you, and you shall eat the grass of the field” (Gen 3: 17-18).
In contrast to the wheat, that is used for making bread to keep human life alive, the enemy sows weeds, called darnel that produces poisonous seeds. Their roots weaken the wheat or and reduce the production of wheat. Consumption of the weed called darnel can cause trembling, vomiting, hindered speech, inability to walk, convulsions, diarrhea, and even death. Small doses of darnel with fungus can cause hallucinations and high doses can damage the central nervous system. Spiritually, only strong Christians can withstand the influence of the evil ones.
The devil has been sowing weeds or evil among God’s people all over the world and throughout the history of humanity. It started with the temptation of Eve followed by Adam tempted by Eve. Later, Satan tempted Cain to kill his brother Abel. During the time of Noah, most people were in sin and became like a weed-filled world. During their journey to the promised land, the Israelites repeatedly sinned against Moses and God. Even after entering the promised land, they evil continued influencing them. Satan attempted to tempt Jesus. Satan used Peter and Judas against Jesus. Spiritual tares or weeds continue to torment the followers of Christ.
The darnel and wheat have great resemblance at the early stage of growth. While they grow together, it is hard to distinguish them. The Christians also face the same challenge in their spiritual life. They cannot distinguish between the right and wrong teachings and teachers. Heresies had happened in the church’s history. Just like the wheat and weed look similar, the good and bad teachings and teachers might look alike and attractive. Only by the time of their seeds or outcomes people will realize their difference.
REFLECTION
We are in a world of good and evil. Jesus came to help us with his teachings to guide us in the proper direction to heaven. He warned us, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them” (Mt 7:15-16). If Satan could use Eve to misguide her husband, any person can work as agents of Satan.