Today's Gospel presents one of Jesus' most realistic and challenging parables. He tells us about a farmer who sows good seed in his field. But while everyone is asleep, an enemy comes and sows weeds among the wheat. As the plants begin to grow, the servants notice the problem and immediately ask the master, "Do you want us to go and pull them up?" Surprisingly, the master says no. He tells them to let both grow together until the harvest, when the separation will be made.

At first glance, this response seems strange. Why would a wise farmer allow weeds to remain in his field? Wouldn't they rob the wheat of nutrients and reduce the harvest?