Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Matthew 13:47-53

FEAST OF ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA

Jesus said to the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use.

St. Ignatius founded the Society Of Jesus or better known as Jesuits. I am so grateful for this group of men who were so influential in my formation as a priest. They are great thinkers and boy or boy did they push the “think outside the box” philosophy. I had a Jesuit friend visit me recently and he remarked about some priests back home. He said “in working with these guys, I wonder sometimes if they are baptized?” We had a good laugh with that one.

Let’s talk Kingdom of God shall we! Like a drag net? I have been involved in dragging one of those nets ashore. It’s not sexy, not cute at all. The first thing that hits you is the smell, then the catch. Yes you get some good fish covered in mud and yuck but you throw so much back.

What does he mean? The kingdom of God drags in your whole life. Bring it all in and let God sort it out. We all have good and bad, bring your whole self to God because it is beautiful. Yes even our ugly sides when brought before God are transformed. A Jesuit priest once said to us on retreat “God loves you just as you are, don’t change just come!” I knew at that point I would not make it as a Jesuit

Pope Francis said “Who am I to Judge?” So bring everyone, everything ashore. God will sort it out.