From Fr Michael…
The parable of the Darnel shows the great care the farmer has for his product and, in the same way, the great care God has for his people. He tends the weak-limbed. He does not hurry along the one who can barely walk, but treats him with care. Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench. He will faithfully bring forth justice.
Darnel, or Lolium temulentum (its Latin name), was a problematic weed in ancient agriculture. How to deal with it? It looked very much like wheat in its infancy, and its roots intertwined with the real wheat plant as it grew. It becomes more identifiable at harvest. Wheat stands more upright while the Darnel dangles.
Looks the same but there is a difference. There must be a difference in Christians, in Catholics. I was speaking to a person of another Christian denomination the other day and he was saying, ‘We Christians are all the same. A few minor theological differences, but really we are all the same.’ This tends towards indifferentism. In other words, anyone can worship wherever they want. We are all the same. Well, we are not. One person who does good things is not necessarily the same as another who does similar good things. The difference I think lies in Grace. We rely on God’s grace. Why don’t we, for example, receive Holy Communion in any other Christian church? The Catholic Church has the real presence. The real body and blood of Christ. Not a representation or symbol. Not a ‘now it’s the body later it’s plain bread again’. We receive in Holy Communion the real Jesus Christ, God. Our faith is Christ’s gift to us. Christ gives us grace (CCC153).
There must be a difference in us, not necessarily one that is always seen. Interior difference is the most important. This is what we have as Catholics. I’m not saying other Christians or even other faiths, do not have grace. We have all Christ’s sacraments. These give us grace (CCC1127). Our lives must abound with interior grace. This must not bring pride, but humility. We deserve nothing and are nothing without God’s grace. The same but very different.
