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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Some thoughts on this scripture
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.
Reflection
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.
Reflection
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.
Reflection
I pray that I might be like the scribe that Jesus mentions, able to employ
all my resources to their best end.