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.
There is no god besides you who have the care of all, that you need show you have not unjustly condemned. For your might is the source of justice; your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all. For you show your might when the perfection of your power is disbelieved; and in those who know you, you rebuke temerity. But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency, and with much lenience you govern us; for power, whenever you will, attends you. 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 for their sins.
The Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time this year pairs the reading above with the parable of the wheat and the weeds (Matthew 13:24-43):
O God, there is no one besides you
who cares for the field of the world—
not for what the harvest provides you,
but for your own promise unfurled.
You soften the earth, soak its furrows;
the rivers of heav'n overrun.
You plow it with hailstones like harrows,
enkindle the heat of the sun.
And all of it springs from your goodness:
You love every seed you have sown.
You'r might is the source of all justice,
your mercy the fruit of your pow'r.
The weeds and the wheat grow together,
and they have good ground for their hope:
You give them all time for repentance
and hold back the scythe while they grow.
But not one can hide from the reaping:
Each one of us shall be cut down
and gathered in sheaves for the keeping,
or into the fire shall be thrown.
O God, let your mercy be on us,
the wheat and the weeds, as we grow.
You made each of us from your goodness:
Then gather us all to your hold. Amen.
Kate Bluett 