OCEAN OF GOD'S MERCY - 7/28/22 (Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time)

Matthew 13:49-50

“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.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072722.cfm

For the summary of the teachings of the Catholic Church, click here:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

For the examination of conscience and guide to confession, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

For more information on how to pray the rosary, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/the-most-holy-rosary/

Blessed Thursday! In today's gospel reading, Jesus speaks of a parable where heaven is like a net that catches fishes. The good fishes are placed inside the bucket while the bad fishes are thrown away. This parable pertains to the judgment day at the end of the age where the righteous people will be separated from people who reject God. It is an unfortunate reality that many souls reject the love of God and choose to engage in grave sins. Sometimes, some people do not see God's mercy in these scenarios. And yet, even by looking at the parable, we can see the infinite love of God that He pours into our hearts. 

The parable speaks of the fishes which symbolize mankind. At the same time, it's important to note that the ocean where the swims fish can be understood as symbolism for God's love which is an "ocean of mercy." The worst sins we can ever commit is just like a little fire in a match compared to the ocean of God's mercy. Because Jesus is out Merciful Lord, even if we fall to many temptations in life, He still invites us to repentance, to receive the sacraments especially the sacrament of confession, and to return to God. Even if we fall to the same sins, Jesus desires for us to immediately renew our love for Him and to beg for His strength to aid us in our journey. 

Even at the end of the lives of the most hardened sinners, God never gives up on them. He wants to see us in heaven because this is what will make us happy. However, some people intentionally and freely reject the goodness of God. It's not that God doesn't love us, but some people do not want God's love for them. We are free to love our Lord, but with this freedom, some people choose the fires of hell. This is an unfortunate reality, and this should inspire us, by the grace of God, to lead more souls to Him. The parents have the responsibility to take care of their children, not just physically and emotionally, but also spiritually. Some parents may think that only priests or catechists have this job, but we all have responsibility to proclaim the gospel, especially in our family. If we recognize that we are not raised in a religious family, let's not lose hope. Just as God gives us opportunities to repent, He also gives us the opportunity to make change in our families, especially through our example of living the Catholic faith in our words, works, and prayers. May we always seek the intercession of the angels and saints who are on our side, especially our guardian angels. By the mercy of God, the darkness of our sins will be casted out from our hearts, and we will have the hope of everlasting life. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic