Matthew 13:47-53 NRSVue
47“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; 48when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. 49So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
51“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” 52And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” 53When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place.
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Reflection on Matthew 13:47-53
Inspiration from 2026-07-30 Daily Prayer
Life moves with such speed in today’s world that it’s vital to find the time to make life choices which, when we look back on them, have satisfied us. What choices have I made recently, and in retrospect, am I content with them? We pray for guidance to notice what the nets have gathered and to select from them what is of poor quality and what will enrich life.
Further reflection
*A Prayer of Saint Ignatius Loyola* Take Lord, and receive, my memory, my understanding, my entire will. All that I am, all that I have are you gift to me. I now return them to you. Give me only your love and your grace, with these I am rich enough, and desire no more.
There's a mixture of good and bad in all of us. The church is a mixture of good and bad also. We simply pray to respond to goodness in our desires and in our activities, and ask the forgiveness and help of Jesus where we fail.
Many parables show us that the kingdom of heaven involves both good and bad mixed together. I pray for the patience and tolerance that I need to live with those who differ from me.
I pray that I might be like the scribe that Jesus mentions, able to employ all my resources to their best end.