Let us consider the different approaches of the owner and the servants to the problem of the weeds. The parable constitutes a short reflection on the mystery of evil. Facing the different forms of evil which we experience in this world, one spiritual writer suggests that it is helpful to distinguish between problem and mystery. Jesus, of course, does not make this distinction though the questions of the servants hint at the mysteriousness of what they see as a problem, which they wish to solve. The owner is content to live with the mystery in view of the harvest.

A problem can be analyzed and eventually solved. Not so, a mystery. A mystery is far beyond our comprehension and our control. Thus cancer is a problem and slowly, but reasonably surely, we are moving towards better treatment and, we hope, eventually a cure. Once we have eliminated cancer, however, other diseases will strike us, for illness is a mystery far beyond the specific diseases which occur. Mystery calls us to prayer and adoration, reliance on God and greater humility. God gives us the wisdom to solve problems, but not the power to eliminate the mystery.