Daily Readings - Thu Aug 02 2018
Jeremiah
1The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,2Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.3Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.4And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.5Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,6O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
Matthew
47Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:48Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.49So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,50And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.51Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.52Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful metaphors that guide us in understanding God's transformative power and our role within His plan. Jeremiah's visit to the potter's house in the first reading illustrates God's sovereignty and creative authority over His people. The potter, shaping and reshaping clay, mirrors God's ability to form and reform Israel, offering both judgment and the promise of redemption. This metaphor reminds us of God's patience and our malleability in His hands, inviting us to remain open to His will.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a parable of a net cast into the sea, gathering all kinds of fish. This imagery speaks to the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, where all are drawn in, but ultimately separated based on their worthiness. The parable underscores the reality of judgment, where the good are treasured and the bad are discarded. It challenges us to discern between the influences in our lives, embracing the good and rejecting the bad, as we prepare for the ultimate judgment.
Both readings connect through themes of transformation and judgment. Jeremiah's potter emphasizes God's active role in shaping us, while Matthew's parable calls us to live with purpose, aware of the separation to come. As followers of Christ, we are called to be like the scribe who brings forth both old and new treasures, sharing the Good News with wisdom and understanding. May we trust in God's plan, live with intention, and be faithful stewards of His teachings, ever ready to share the richness of our faith.