Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b-9 / Mt 13:36-43

Experience teaches us that things are not always as they seem, and it often takes considerable time to discern what is good and true and what is not. How fleeting are so many of our friendships, our political beliefs, our values and preferences. Our “deeply-held” convictions can sometimes have a half-life of mere days or weeks.

Growing in wisdom involves a winnowing and sorting process which takes time. And the taking of that time is what Jesus is urging upon us in today’s gospel. How can we know what is really a “weed” or really good “grain?” We can’t in the beginning. We have to let them grow to maturity and bear fruit. “By their fruits you shall know them,” and those fruits are often a surprise.

So take your time before passing judgment. Don’t “shoot from the hip.” Too many good things have died that way!