His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares from Matthew 13, revealing the deep spiritual meanings behind the good seed and the tares, and showing how this parable reflects the coexistence of good and evil in the world and in the Church until the Day of Judgment.

1. The Good Sower and the Enemy Who Plants Evil

God is the first sower who planted good seed in His field—the world and the Church—through His holy apostles and saints.
But the enemy, the devil, secretly sowed tares among the wheat while people slept, symbolizing the entrance of sin into God’s creation.
Evil began first in heaven with Satan’s fall, then on earth through the deception of Adam and Eve.

2. The Resemblance Between Wheat and Tares

Tares look like wheat at first, and can only be distinguished at maturity when wheat bears full heads and tares remain empty.
Likewise, within the Church some appear holy or serving yet their hearts are far from God—like Judas among the apostles or false prophets in the early Church.

3. The Hidden Work of the Enemy While People Sleep

The devil plants his seeds when people are spiritually asleep—when conscience is numb and faith grows cold.
Many sins disguise themselves as virtues: harshness mistaken for firmness, pride mistaken for zeal.
Thus the Pope calls for constant spiritual vigilance and wakefulness.

4. God’s Response to the Existence of Evil

God does not uproot the tares immediately lest the wheat be harmed.
He says, “Let both grow together until the harvest.”
This reveals His patience and mercy, giving time for repentance—since even tares can become wheat, as in the case of Saul who became Saint Paul.

5. The Growth of Good and Evil Together

Both good and evil grow simultaneously:
Church services, holiness, and evangelism increase, but so do sin and corruption.
God allows this so that the virtues of the righteous may shine through endurance and faith.

6. The Final Harvest

At the end of time, God will send His angels to gather the tares into bundles for burning, while the wheat will be gathered into His heavenly storehouses.
This harvest symbolizes final judgment, when good and evil are eternally separated, and the righteous are crowned in eternal life.

Spiritual Message:
The parable teaches us discernment and spiritual watchfulness, urging us not to judge prematurely.
Only God knows the hearts and will separate the true from the false at the appointed time.
We are to trust in His justice and patience, confident that He will reward His faithful wheat in the eternal Kingdom.

For better translation support, please contact the center.