My beloved brothers and sisters,
Praise to you Lord Jesus!
“How are you?” It is such a simple question, yet sometimes one of the hardest to answer. As we journey through life, we discover that living well is not simply about getting everything done, but about learning how to let God shape our hearts in the middle of our daily routines.
When parish life becomes busy with meetings, Masses, and pastoral responsibilities, I often take a walk with my dogs. As we walk, I pray and reflect on the many things that need my attention. Occasionally, I spend time training them with simple commands. Some days they respond immediately; other days they seem to ignore everything I say. It reminds me that growth takes patience. Good habits are not formed overnight, whether in our pets, ourselves, or our communities.
This Sunday’s readings invite us to discover the patience of God. The Book of Wisdom tells us that God’s strength is revealed not through harshness but through mercy. Because God is all-powerful, He does not need to force or intimidate. Instead, He patiently gives us time to repent, grow, and begin again. What a comforting reminder for all of us who know our weaknesses and failures.
St. Paul continues this message by assuring us that even when we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit prays within us. There are days when words fail us, when we feel exhausted, confused, or overwhelmed. Yet God never abandons us. The Spirit carries our weakness before God the Father, turning our silent sighs into perfect prayer.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of the wheat and the weeds growing together until the harvest. We often wish God would immediately remove every problem, every difficult person, and every weakness—even those impurities within ourselves. Instead, Jesus teaches patience. He alone sees the whole picture. While we are tempted to judge quickly, God patiently works for conversion and new life. The mustard seed and the yeast remind us that God’s Kingdom often grows quietly. A small act of kindness, a gentle word, a faithful prayer, or unseen sacrifice may seem insignificant today, but God can use these little acts to transform hearts and communities.
As you reflect this week, ask yourself: How am I doing? Am I allowing God’s patience to shape me? Am I trusting the Holy Spirit? Am I becoming a witness of Christ’s love wherever I go? May we remember that holiness is not achieved in one great moment but through countless small acts of faith, hope, and love. With God’s grace, even the smallest seed can grow into something beautiful for His Kingdom. Amen. God Loves You!
~ Fr. Neil