Not Enough

Today’s Gospel Text:   Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind; 48 when it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous, 50 and throw them into the furnace of fire; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.

51 "Have you understood all this?" They said to him, "Yes." 52 And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."

53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, Matt 13:47-53

Reflection: This parable brings out a profound reality of the Kingdom of heaven.

The Gospel that Jesus mandated to be proclaimed to all creation is the net that is cast in the vast ocean, consisting of individuals of the earth. Here we have people of every kind; i.e. of every nation, language, tribe, culture, religious affiliations and color.

From the time of the Apostles the gospel has been preached to people of every kind and only the Lord knows when the net shall be full.

The definite end is sure, when all these people of every kind will be hauled before the great judgment seat of God, with his angels separating the good from the bad.

Surely, the parable has left out those who have not received the Gospel and have not been caught in the fishing net of the gospel. In other words, it discusses the judgment of those who have been hauled by the fishing net. 

Is it the first judgment that Peter the apostle talks about in his letter:

“For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? And "If the righteous man is scarcely saved, where will the impious and sinner appear?" 1 Peter 4:17-18

Can we who believe in the truth of the parable do something about it? Surely, by living a life more dedicated to God, we can be a leaven of influence in reducing the number of wicked who will be prevented from entering the kingdom of heaven.

Prayer: Lord, may I be the kind of fish that is acceptable and may I be found pleasing to you on that day of Judgment.

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