parable of the weeds

A single grain of wheat alone
cannot a loaf become,
but all that grew as Christ had sown
are gathered into one.
Though each is threshed by different means,
their chaff is cast away
and, gathered first or lately gleaned,
they join the harvest day.

So wide and winding is the field
where Christ has cast the seeds,
that patiently he waits their yield
who will not pluck the weeds.
But weeds and wheat together grow
that not a grain be lost,
and which is which he only knows
who bought them at his cost.

Though we are ground down day by day
as wheat is turned to flour,
yet Christ who loves each seed and grain
is with us every hour.
He gathers us to make his bread
from every seed he sows.
If one is lost, the loaf is less:
He will not let us go.

For today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 13:24-30), to the tune AURELIA (“The Church’s One Foundation”):

The weeds and wheat together
drink in the sun and rain,
the nighttime's rest and shelter,
the noontime's gloried rays.
Their roots together tethered,
they sink into the clay;
they bear the wind and weather
alike 'til harvest day.

The harvesters are ready
and holding back their hands:
A love divine and steady
restrains th'angelic band.
They stand, their sickles whetting
'til Christ gives his command
that we, his judgment dreading,
must all before him stand.

Oh, master of the harvest,
who lets us grow 'til then,
'til all the scythes are sharpened
for foe as well as friend,
prepare us for your garners
where all shall say, “Amen!”
and grant us all your pardon
when growing time shall end.

Tag: parable of the weeds

Loaf