God's power is mercy. Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

This Sunday, we continue with Jesus“ teaching method, which we reflected on last week. Jesus continues to teach through parables; in fact, as the Gospel tells us, “Without parables, he couldn't get through to them at all”. Through this method, the Lord invites his listeners to actively participate in receiving the truth. 

Today, however, our attention is drawn not only to Jesus’ teaching method, but also to the content of his teachings. The readings reveal to us the true nature of divine power. Jesus, who is Lord, shows us what true power is like. In a world that often associates power with domination, force, or control, God reveals that true power is expressed, above all, in mercy.

This theme runs through all of today’s readings. In the first reading, from the Book of Wisdom, we hear these striking words: “And your majesty, above all, makes you forgiving toward everyone. But you, the holder of power, judge with moderation and govern us with great leniency”. These words reveal something profound about the nature of God. Divine omnipotence is neither harsh nor oppressive. His power is manifested precisely in his patience, his compassion, and his willingness to forgive. 

The opening prayer for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time beautifully expresses this very truth: “O God, who reveals your power over all things through forgiveness and mercy…” The Gospel presents us with three parables of the Kingdom: the wheat and the weeds, the mustard seed, and the yeast. However, the disciples return to Jesus particularly troubled by the parable of the weeds among the wheat. Perhaps they were troubled by the presence of evil, or perhaps they were puzzled by the patience of the owner of the field. The servants ask if they should pull up the weeds immediately. But the master replies: “No, because when you pull up the weeds, you might pull up the wheat as well. Let them grow together until harvest time.".

Here we see God’s wisdom and patience. The Lord does not act rashly. In His mercy, He grants time for repentance. He allows room for conversion. God’s patience is not indifference to evil; rather, it is His loving desire that sinners return to Him and live.

St. Josemaría Escrivá once used a beautiful image during a trip to Argentina. He said that God is not like a hunter seeking prey. He is like a gardener who lovingly cares for his flowers: he waters them, protects them, and tends to them with patience. And only when the flower reaches its full bloom and beauty does the gardener pick it. In the same way, God works patiently in our souls until they are ready for eternal life.