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Once again the parables feature this weekend on the sixteenth Sunday. Parables will recall irrelevant events or divinely inspired stories which bear a significant moral theme. Overall, there are about thirty three parables in the scriptures. Last week, for example, the parable of the sower reminded us of God's ubiquitous grace and how it is squandered. The loss of that grace was caused by the environment in which the seed or God's word was placed. The environment was our responsibility. Therefore we, and not God, is to blame for our lack of holiness. This weekend, on the other hand, we hear about the parable of the darn or weeds sown among the wheat, which is related but markedly diverse. One may say that the weed sower represents evil persons in our midst. Where did they come from? Well there's always been and always will be people bent upon evil, individuals seeking to cause ruin and chaos by sowing seeds of distrust, deceit, and disdain, not to mention hate and violence. Why do such people exist? Why is there evil at all? Is God not concerned with the sufferings of his people, especially the innocent and children? This is one of the strongest arguments against the existence of God, why he allows innocent people to suffer? How can we best answer it? Well, firstly realize that no answer will be ideal or satisfactory for everyone. Of course, we know God is concerned about the innocent and all who suffer. Besides, it was his innocent heart that was wounded for our transgressions. So he knows better than us their plight. Also, it is from Him that we can learn how best to cope with suffering. Never forget that God who is all knowing does not want evil to exist, nor is he the cause of evil. As the Bible teaches, sin is the ultimate cause of evil, as well as our death. Our world is a fallen world, and we sinners must always dwell among sinners all our life. It's the common lot of us all. We may not in this life receive an answer to why there is suffering, but we can with Christ and through Christ learn how to deal with it. What I find surprising about the parable is not that if it exists, the weeds amongst the wheat, but that it's permitted to exist alongside goodness for so long. For we are told, let them, the wheat in the dawn, grow until harvest time. In other words, let them coexist for the duration. Why do we have to put up with people like that for so long? If God is God, can't he just fix it and solve the problem? Well, sadly, it is not in our job description to give or take life. We have a commandment barring any action in that regard. Why is this so hard? Because we don't like to play second fiddle, and because we are control freaks. We want to be in charge. We want action and we want it now. On the other hand, God is whispering in our ears, if only we would listen. Shh it's not all about you, you know. I have others worse off. You see, God is patient. We are not. He sees the big picture, and we don't. The bottom line is that we need to be more patient. Every good parent knows that children need to be taught patience. It's not installed at conception. And as God's children, he is constantly teaching us to be patient. What is patience anyway? Well, etymologically, the word is most insightful. Its root patience comes from the Latin word to suffer, patiri. Since the sick suffer, they are called patients. And we suffer when we have to be patient. And for that reason, I personally detest the usage of the term clients for those who are sick in hospitals or nursing homes. Clients are those people who visit the accountant or solicitor, whereas the sick are suffering. They should be called patients. We are called to be patient persons, and the person who is patient is one who is well endowed with fortitude or courage, for they can endure much suffering over time. Forbearance is another word linked to patience, to bear for others, or to put up with others. One helpful thought in learning patience is that God puts up with us. So why should we complain when we have to put up with others? God is rich in mercy. Thus he gives even the most wretched soul so much time to repent and seek forgiveness. Never forget, while there is life there is always hope. This week we have the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, and God was so patient with her. When all wanted to stone her to death, and it was to her that Christ first appeared after his resurrection. Then of course the good thief on the cross at Calvary is a good example of last moment conversion. It was only in those last minutes of life that he seek mercy and stole heaven. God was so patient with him. One modern example of divine patience was Dr. Bernard Natherson, ex Jew and atheist, the famous American gynecologist who had established the largest and most efficient abortion clinic in the USA. Now I am sure that many people would have wished upon him a cardiac arrest when he was at the zenith of his medical career. But it was not to be. The weeds were allowed to grow with the wheat. Natherson, whose life gradually tormented him, sought solace in relationships. He was divorced several times, alcohol, money, worldly pursuits, but all proved to be in vain. It was only in his latter years of life that he finally convert and became a pro-life champion. Then after many actual graces was baptized and received into the Catholic Church. For it was only in such an occurrence was he received into the church and partook of God's grace. For God is patient, may we be likewise.