Hymn: 16th OT A

The readings for this Sunday are Wisdom 12;13, 16-19; Romans 8:26-27; and Matthew 13: 24-43.

This meter of this hymn is 88.88.88, and was originally intended to be sung to the tune, Vater unser in Himmelreich (Luther's paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer). Those adventurous enough can still do so. However, the average Roman Catholic congregation is more likely to know the tune St. Catherine, which occurs in Worship III at #743, to the text "Within Your House, O God, Today."

The reign of God can be compared

To farmers planting best of seeds;

When crops began to fully grow,

The wheat was mixed throughout with weeds.

There both of them were left to grow

Till harvest's work the best will show.



O God, Your mercy is displayed

In patience toward repentant hearts;

Your justice, tempered by Your grace,

Supplies, to all who seek, fresh starts.

Though You rebuke those who do wrong,

Your clemency becomes their song.



The Spirit searches ev'ry heart

And helps us in our weariness;

The Spirit intercedes for all

To turn us from our wickedness

That we in holiness may shine;

The Spirit thus will each refine.