August 2, 2012
- Category: brdaniel
- Published Date
- Written by Br. Daniel Thomas, OP
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Thursday in the Seventeenth week of the Church year.
Saint for the day: St. Eusebius of Vercelli (283?-371)
Scripture readings for today's liturgy:
Jeremiah 18:1-6
Psalm 146
Matthew 13:47-53
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like …”
Today we are at the end of these parables about “the Kingdom of Heaven" and are given the last two examples: the fishing net cast into the sea which picks up all kinds of fish and other things; and the householder who brings out of his store both old and new things.
Then, we also have our continuing reading from Jeremiah who, today, brings us back to earth – literally – by using the example of the potter and the clay. A reminder that we are Earthen Vessels fashioned by God to reflect his Glory.
On the subject of the “old and new” we don’t have to look very hard at our world and our Church to see that there is an obvious tension between the things that are old and venerable and those that are perceived as a more clear way to understand how God stays present to the Church.
The first principle that we have to keep in mind is the fact that all life is in motion. Everything around us is in constant motion as it makes its way though life. Stop moving and you stop existing – to a certain extent.
The second principle is that we are not the ones who decide who is good and who is bad. Both our scripture readings for today don’t say, YOU are the potter or you separate the good from the bad or you are the householder but rather, you are like …
Most of us get this wrong often enough for God to have to remind us that, in the end, the Angels will do the work of separating.
Bottom line? Do we let God mold us and shape us into the vessel that reflects His Glory? Are we living our lives – today – in ways that reflect our desire to stay in the light of God’s goodness? And can we be in this here and now moment of God’s presence – actually the only moment that really matters – and be found acceptable to Him?
Still we have to realize that all of us will have our ups and down moments. There will be times when we might shake our fist at God and ask Him, “What’s going on with my life?” Just look at today’s saint if you want to see what some of us might have to go through in our lives … as we make our way to the Kingdom. Remember what St. Paul was told, “My grace is sufficient!” Amen!
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