7/28/2026 (Tuesday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 13:36-43

36 Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”
37 He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man,
38 the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. The weeds are the children of the Evil One,
39 and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
40 Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.
41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers.
42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.
43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

7/28/2026 (Tuesday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 13:36-43

Jesus explains the meaning of the parable of the weeds. He reveals that both wheat and weeds grow together for a time, but a day of separation will eventually come. This passage reminds us that although evil exists in the world, God remains in control. He is patient, just, and faithful to His promises. Our calling is not to become discouraged by the presence of evil but to live faithfully as children of His Kingdom until the final harvest.

Use the word SHINE as a simple reminder of how we should live each day.

S – Stand Firm in Your Faith

The wheat did not stop growing simply because weeds surrounded it. In the same way, our faith should not depend on the people or circumstances around us. We may live in a world filled with temptation, injustice, and disappointment, but God calls us to remain rooted in Him.

Do not allow the negativity of others to weaken your commitment to Christ. Continue to pray, worship, forgive, and obey God even when doing so is difficult. Faith that stands firm through trials becomes stronger and bears lasting fruit.

H – Hold on to Hope

Sometimes it seems that evil is winning and goodness goes unnoticed. Yet Jesus assures us that God sees everything and that His justice will prevail in His perfect time.

Holding on to hope means trusting God’s timing even when we do not understand His ways. Instead of becoming bitter or impatient, we can live with confidence that every act of faithfulness matters. God’s promises are never forgotten, and His final judgment will be perfectly fair.

I – Influence Others with Goodness

Wheat exists to produce a harvest. Likewise, every believer is called to make a positive difference wherever God has planted them.

Our words should encourage, our actions should reflect kindness, and our lives should point others toward God. We may not be able to remove every evil influence around us, but we can choose to become a source of light, peace, and hope. One faithful life can inspire many others to seek God’s Kingdom.

N – Never Lose Sight of Eternity

Jesus reminds us that history is moving toward a definite conclusion. There will be a final separation between those who belong to God’s Kingdom and those who reject Him.

This truth encourages us to examine our own hearts and live each day with eternity in mind. Success, possessions, and recognition are temporary, but our relationship with God is everlasting. When we focus on eternal values, we make wiser decisions, forgive more readily, love more deeply, and serve more willingly.

E – Encourage Others to Grow

The passage concludes with a beautiful promise that God’s faithful people will shine with His glory. We are not called to shine for our own praise but to reflect God’s goodness so others may find hope in Him.

Encourage those who are struggling. Lift up those who are discouraged. Pray for those who have wandered. Every word of encouragement, every act of compassion, and every example of faithful living helps others grow stronger in their journey with God.

Today, choose to SHINE: Stand firm in your faith, Hold on to hope, Influence others with goodness, Never lose sight of eternity, and Encourage others to grow. Though the world may sometimes seem filled with weeds, God is growing a harvest of faithful people. Remain steadfast, trust His perfect justice, and continue reflecting His light. In the end, those who belong to His Kingdom will shine with a joy and glory that will never fade.

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