16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Wis 12:13,16-19; Ps 85(86); Rom 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43
The Book of Wisdom was probably written in Alexandria about 50 years before Christ, to encourage the faith of Jews living in a pagan Egypt. It wrestles with the age-old problem that evildoers are not punished in this world. Wisdom insists that God is just and merciful: he will reward the just after death, although this book does not say how. We can see that God moderates his own power with his justice from the way he gave the Canaanites time to repent during the exodus, and we should follow his example by showing mercy to those who hurt us.
The Psalm really says it all this week: God is a loving God, a “God of mercy and compassion, slow to anger”, “good and forgiving, full of love to all who call.” Eventually “all the nations” – ie the Gentiles – will come to adore God.
Paul has been telling the Romans we may have confidence in the future life God has planned for us. God sends the Spirit to help us and to enable us to express our prayers more meaningfully.
The Gospel shows God’s mercy in action. Instead of venting punishment on sinners and immediately uprooting them, God patiently gives us time to repent.
(Wis 12:13,16-19; Ps 85(86); Rom 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43)