Reflection
Exodus 40: 16-38
Psalm 84
Matthew 13:47-53
Today Jesus tells us the Kingdom is like a net thrown into the sea and collects fish, but will also collect an assortment of other things like seaweed. As the net is brought to shore, the good is kept and everything else is tossed. He then tells us that God will be doing that at the end times.
There is a lot in our lives that we allow to be collected in our nets and we carry it around like it is really of some significant use for us in eternity – that may be attachment to the stuff of this world, it may be ill feelings or grudges that we hold against others, it may be a dislike for someone simply because of who they are or what they said. In each case, we can’t take that stuff to eternity. So why is it so important to us now?
Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola – one of the most incredibly spiritual saints. He lived from 1491 to 1556AD. He struggled with leaving behind a life of wealth, fame, and battles. As he did, though, he established the Jesuits Order of Priests, and developed the Ignatian Spirituality Steps which are used today in Ignatian retreats. You can find several in our area.
Jesus makes it pretty clear that not everyone is going to heaven, something of which St. Ignatius became keenly aware. Jesus wants, and we should want, everyone to go to heaven. However, our job is not to be the judge in this world. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous – our job is to help everyone we can to be among the righteous.
So today, what is holding you back from wanting good things for others? Anger? Prejudice? Holier than thou? Well, we don’t get to hold onto that stuff for eternity so leave it behind!
Beautiful day! Go smile at God today!