The Net

Thursday 7-28-2022 Gospel Reflection

Jesus said to the disciples:

 "The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full, they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." (Mt. 13:47-50)

"The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea which collects fish of every kind." This metaphor reminds us that Christ was sent to invite all men and women into His Kingdom. Now we understand this net, and Christ's message was not just for one race or group of people but is instead an all-encompassing net designed to bring the truth and to save the souls of every single human person. The non-Jewish nations not exposed to the monotheistic God were now caught and invited into a new covenant. 

Now that the truth has been given to us through Christ, the question is will you accept the call? Will you let Him guide your life and change your heart and mind? Will you move out of the way of sin and any unhealthy pursuits and let Christ be your guide? Will you be able to handle losing some friends, specific jobs, and possibly some family members on this journey? 

Let me clarify, as I am writing this from the challenges of giving oneself to God. I was outside of the Church and the truth for many years, so I want to express and show I understand that living in the truth of Christ is not always an easy path. For my personal reflection today, I hope you know you are not alone, and not everyone's journey to Christ is easy. The world and the evil influencers constantly seek to distract us from God, and in my life, the net and allure of the world trapped me for far too many years. Let's remember that yes, we are in the world but not of the world, and we have to seek to stay in Christ's light every day. I believe the Bible verse that really resonated with me, and when I found myself caught in His net was 1 John 2:15-16, which reads.

"Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world."

The good news is I was caught in the net that Christ threw out and accepted His call. Although life can still be challenging, my soul finally understands a greater purpose. 

Today let's pray with love and compassion for those outside of the faith. Like the apostles, we are also sent out to be fishers of men, so cast your net into whatever waters you evangelize in and seek to spread the love of Christ with every single person you catch. 

"The grass withers, the flower wilts, but the word of our God stands forever." (Is. 40:8)