Jesus’ Radical Approach to Evil

Message from Fr. Jose Koluthara, CMI

Jesus’ Radical Approach to Evil

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Once there was a public radio program called “The Gestalt Gardener”, in which three experts in the gardening took part. When asked their opinion as to how to handle the perennial problem of weeds, the three experts were of the same mind. Nip them in the bud or better yet, prevent them from taking root in the first place. A variety of methods of extermination, both organic and chemical, were recommended, but all had essentially the same herbicidal purpose. How unlike the method recommended by Jesus in today’s Gospel (Mt 13:24-43). Rather than root out he unwanted garden guests and be done with them once and for all, the farmer in Jesus’ parable advises, “Let them grow together until harvest”.

Did we, asks Timothy Owings, hear Jesus correctly? Obviously yes, but hearing correctly does not lessen the surprise prompted by Jesus’ words. Probing deeper into the parable’s message, we are led to understand that this story represents Jesus’ radical approach not merely to weed control but to us human beings and evil of which we are capable. Just as the farmer said of the weeds and wheat, so Jesus says to human beings both good and evil, “Let them grow together until harvest”. Wheat and weeds growing together: This is risky farming, risky living, risky discipleship. Nevertheless, it is the way of the Lord, who allows time and space and second, third and fourth chances for conversion, growth, for transformation. Jesus’ radical approach to evil does not condone it but rather prefers the catechesis to condemnation and supportive help to shunning.

In today’s first reading (Wis 12:13,16-19) the Wisdom author celebrates those virtues of God that give even the most “weedy” and sinful among us hope and confidence that good growth is possible. Rather than use the divine might to punish the sinful, God urges the guilty toward repentance. In today’s second reading (Rom 8:26-27), Paul assures us that the Spirit helps us in our weakness to pray well, intercedes with God and the saints for us and help us make our own the radical trust that we have known in God and in Jesus. Let them grow together until harvest; give the weediness within each of us the opportunity to change, to be forgiven, to be transformed, to grow. Harvest will come soon enough in God’s good time… for now, let us grow together for growth, for transformation.