17th Sunday Ordinary Time Cycle A.

Reflection Matthew 13:44-52

What can a story of a dragnet and a great catch of fish tell us about God’s kingdom? The two most common ways of fishing in Jesus’ time was with a casting-net or hand-net, which was thrown from the shore and the dragnet or trawl which was let down or cast into the waters from a boat. As the boat moved through the waters the dragnet was drawn into the shape of a great cone, which indiscriminately took in all kinds of fish and flotsam and jetsam swept in its path. It usually took several men to haul such a net to shore. What is Jesus’ point here? Just as a dragnet catches every kind of fish in the sea, so the church acts as God’s instrument for gathering in all who will come. Just as the dragnet does not or cannot discriminate, so the church does not discriminate between the good and the bad. God’s kingdom is open to all who will accept and believe. But there will come a time of separation, at the close of the age, when the angels will send the good and the bad to their respective destinations. Our duty is to gather in all who will come. God, in the end, will give the good and the bad the reward they deserve. God offers the treasure of his kingdom to all who believe. Do you hunger for God and his kingdom?
“Lord Jesus, reveal to me the true riches of your kingdom. Help me to set my heart on you alone as the treasure beyond compare with any other. May I always find joy and delight in your presence.”