The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, July 28, 2005
The Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38
Psalm 84:3-6, 8, 11
Matthew 13:47-53

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"...the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea to gather fish of every kind." (Mt. 13: 47)

Several wonderful truths are illustrated in today's readings. Exodus shows us that God's glorious Presence is ever with His people, leading them to their destination, a glorious new life in Him. The way they are to travel may prove difficult, fraught with hardships and uncertainties; but if they trust in Him and follow His bidding, He will guide them on the path that will allows them to successfully complete their journey, fulfill their hearts' desires in a different land, freed from slavery to sin.

Psalm 84 stresses the thought that God is our safety by using the image of little birds nesting in the haven of God's dwelling, His temple. Those dwelling in His house, abiding in His love and truth, will go from "strength to strength." We, His people, gifted with rational minds and feeling hearts will then come to realize that one day lived in His Presence is worth a thousand days waiting for Him.

Matthew's Gospel affirms that God's kingdom is open to all. Fishermen cast nets into the sea to gather fish of every kind; and like a fisherman, God sorts through them to cast away any that are of no value as food to nourish and give life to His people. Jesus uses this analogy to remind the Scribes of their responsibility to sort through all their religious tenets
to carefully select, and for the good of God's people, preserve both those of the past, the Law given through Moses, and those being revealed in the present time when this Law has been fulfilled perfectly in Him, the Christ.

O Glorious Redeemer, grant us the wisdom and the courage to embark upon and stay on the course by which You lead us to eternal life. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2005 The Way, The Truth, The Life