In the last analysis, the individual person is
responsible for living his (her) own life and for ''finding himself.'' If he persists in shifting his responsibility to somebody else, he fails to find out the meaning of his own existence.
- Thomas Merton Where do you need to take more responsibility for your life at this
time?
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Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38
Psalm 84:3, 4, 5-6a and 8a, 11 Matthew 13:47-53 Jesus said to the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a
dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. 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 where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
‘Have you understood all this?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ And
he said to them, ‘Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old.’
When Jesus had finished these parables he left the district.
Reflection on the Scriptures
Today’s readings give us two beautiful images: the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus and the dragnet in Matthew’s Gospel. The Ark was a visible sign of the invisible presence of God. It reminded Israel that God was not far away but journeyed with them, even in deserts, doubts, and dangers. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about a dragnet that catches all kinds of fish. This is an image of the Church: it welcomes
everyone, saints and sinners, the strong and the struggling. It is not meant for a perfect few but for all who seek Him. Both readings speak to me deeply of presence and grace. As a Jesuit, I have come to see again and again that God truly is with us quietly, gently, and often in unexpected ways. This presence gives me hope, especially when life
feels confusing or broken. by Rev. Anish Kochanichottil, SJ
The Imitation of Christ, Thomas A. Kempis https://amzn.to/40FrikB Paperback and Kindle versions available BOOK
ONE: Thoughts Helpful in the Life of a Soul The First Chapter: Imitating Christ and Despising All Vanities on Earth THE ONE WHO follows Me, walks not in darkness," says the Lord. John 8:12. By these words of Christ we are advised to imitate His life and habits, if we wish to be truly enlightened and free from all blindness of heart. Let our chief effort, therefore, be to study the life of Jesus Christ. The teaching of Christ is more excellent than all the advice of the saints, and he who has His spirit will find in it a hidden manna. Now, there are many who hear the Gospel often but care little for it because they have not the spirit of Christ. Yet whoever wishes to understand fully the words of Christ must try to pattern his whole life on that of Christ. What good does it do to speak learnedly about the Trinity if, lacking humility, you displease the Trinity? Indeed it is not learning that makes one holy and just, but a virtuous life makes him pleasing to God. I would rather feel contrition than know how to define it. For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God? Vanity of vanities and all is vanity, except to love God and serve Him
alone.
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