Gospel Reading:

Mt 13:47-53

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.”

“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.

Sermon:

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s Gospel reading presents us with another parable of the Kingdom of heaven. Jesus compares the Kingdom to a net thrown into the sea, collecting fish of every kind. When the net is full, the good fish are kept, and the bad are thrown away.

This parable teaches us about the judgment that will come at the end of the age. The angels will separate the wicked from the righteous, and the wicked will face eternal punishment.

But Jesus also reminds us that we are called to be like the head of a household, bringing forth both new and old treasures from our storeroom. We are called to share the wisdom and knowledge of the Kingdom with others.

May we understand the teachings of Jesus and live accordingly. May we be like the good fish, worthy of being kept in the Kingdom. And may we share the treasures of the Kingdom with others, that they too may be saved.

Prayer:

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, loving and merciful Lord Jesus,

Help us to be like the good fish, worthy of being kept in your Kingdom. May we be mindful of our actions and strive to live according to your teachings.

Give us the wisdom and knowledge to share the treasures of your Kingdom with others, that they too may be saved.

May we bring forth both new and old treasures from our storeroom, sharing the Gospel with others and shining in your Kingdom.

Protect us from being like the bad fish, thrown away into the fiery furnace. Instead, may we be like the righteous, living in your eternal love and light.

In your most holy name Jesus we pray, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ