People living in the holy land would understand the parable introduced in the Gospel today. They would have been familiar with the weeds that grow up around the wheat and how difficult it is to tell the difference between them until they bloomed.

The wheat of course represents good; the weeds represent evil. As Christians, we need to tell the difference between them especially in a world that makes them seem the same.

My dear friends, the devil’s strongest tool against us is the lie. He uses deception to cloud what is good and evil and convince us that we are not responsible for our actions. Prisons are filled with guilty people who deceive themselves into thinking they are innocent.

As true disciples of Jesus learn from the Scriptures and the great wisdom of the Church the difference between good and evil, then do not be afraid to take responsibility for your choices, for it is only then that we can discover the Truth that is God. Recognize the truth and have the courage to live it. Teach your children to live the virtuous life and to be confident in this road to heaven.

Brothers and sisters, The Spirit comes to the aid of our weaknesses. He will help you make strong, right decisions even if they seem embarrassing, or not popular.

Our faith is like a fragile mustard seed, but so is our children’s. They need to be nourished and well cared for, as Wisdom taught us today, “And You taught Your people, by these deeds, that those who are just must be kind; and you gave your children good ground for hope that you would permit repentance of their sins.”