2nd August 2018 Thursday 17th Week of Ordinary Time

Reflection
Jeremiah 18:1-6, Matthew 13:47-53
“A Love that draws us into life”
In today’s passage, Jesus used a very familiar imagery of fishermen casting a dragnet into the sea. Hence, the crowds listening to him would appreciate what Jesus had to say. It was a common sight to see fishermen pulling their nets full of catch to shore and collecting the good ones in a basket and throwing away those that were of no use to them. Using this simple image, Jesus led the people to be more receptive to God’s reign. “This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace...”

These are very strong words from Jesus. God, who is love, calls each person to be in a personal relationship with Him. His love does not exclude or divide any one. However, we are the ones who separate ourselves from God when we deliberately choose to live a life contrary to the Gospel, despite knowing God and experiencing His love. When we turn away from God, we exclude God from our lives.

Let us then enter into the parable and let its power transform us today. We are called once more to choose to enter into a relationship with God and live a life for Him and with Him.

Question for reflection:
1) How has Jesus’ words affected and changed me to live life differently?