Knightly News

A Moment with the Prelate

Past Commander Brian R. Dodson

Among the many parables spoken by our Lord, few are more relevant to the modern Christian Knight than the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Weeds) found in Matthew 13:24–30. In this familiar lesson, Jesus describes a man who sowed good seed in his field. While men slept, an enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat. When both began to grow, the servants desired to remove the weeds immediately. Yet the master instructed them to wait until the harvest lest the wheat be damaged in the process. For the Christian Knight Templar, this parable offers profound lessons on vigilance, patience, humility, and faithfulness in our service to Christ.

The parable reminds us that the world is a battlefield between the forces of good and evil. The enemy does not openly announce his presence. Rather, he works quietly and subtly, sowing discord, error, temptation, and division wherever he can.

As Knights Templar, we have pledged ourselves to the service of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We recognize that spiritual warfare is not confined to distant lands or ancient history. It occurs daily; in our homes, our communities, our churches, and even within our own hearts.

The enemy in the parable acts while men sleep. This detail serves as a warning. Spiritual complacency creates opportunities for evil to take root. The Christian knight must therefore remain alert, disciplined in prayer, and grounded in the teachings of Scripture. One of the most striking aspects of the parable is that the wheat and the weeds grow together. The servants expected a pure field, yet the master acknowledged that both would remain side by side until the harvest.

As Christians, we often long for a world free from corruption, injustice, and sin. Yet Christ teaches that such perfection will not be fully realized until His return. Until then, we are called to remain steadfast while living among the imperfections of this fallen world. The Knight Templar does not retreat from challenges nor abandon his post because evil exists. Instead, he perseveres. He seeks to be good wheat in a troubled field, bearing fruits of faith, charity, integrity, and Christian love.

The servants were eager to remove the tares immediately. Their intentions may have been honorable, but the master cautioned against acting too quickly. This teaches an important lesson regarding judgment. Knights Templar are called to defend the Christian faith and uphold moral truth. However, we must also recognize the limitations of human understanding. We cannot see into the hearts of men as God can. How often have outward appearances proven deceptive? A person who seems distant from God today may become a devoted disciple tomorrow. Conversely, one who appears righteous may struggle with hidden weaknesses known only to the Lord. The parable reminds us that ultimate judgment belongs to Christ alone. Our responsibility is to be faithful servants rather than self-appointed judges.

The heart of the parable lies in the promise of the harvest. Christ later explains that a day will come when the wheat and the tares will be separated. Justice will ultimately prevail. Goodness will not be overlooked, and evil will not endure forever. For Knights Templar, this truth is a source of hope and encouragement. We labor under the banner of the Cross with confidence that our efforts are not in vain. Every act of charity, every defense of truth, every prayer offered in faith is known to the Master of the field. The final victory belongs not to the enemy who sowed the weeds, but to the King who will return to gather His harvest.

As we reflect upon this parable, each of us should ask an important question: Am I producing the fruits of good wheat? The lesson is not merely about identifying weeds around us; it is about examining our own lives. Are we growing in faith? Are we demonstrating Christian character? Are we fulfilling our obligations to God, our families, our Commandery, and our fellow man?

The Knight Templar's mission has always been one of faithful service to Christ. In a world where wheat and tares continue to grow together, may we stand firm, remain vigilant, practice charity, and trust in the wisdom of the Great Captain of our Salvation.

Until the harvest comes, let us labor faithfully in His field.