​“The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.” 

There are expectations and stereotypes of any and every group of people. Growing up an involved Catholic there have been a few times that I’ve spoken to someone who expected a lot more judgment and hate than they got from me. Maybe they’d heard stories or experienced Catholics who saw differences in opinion or lifestyle and immediately went on the defensive. We even have a gospel that is talking about how some will be thrown into the fiery furnace, and so there is definitely some introspection needed on the part of each soul about our choices with our eternity on the line.

However, to start at the beginning of the gospel, the Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.” Fish of every kind. Every. Kind. There is so much hope in that phrase. The Father who created our world in love desires to bring every soul into His Kingdom. The Father’s desire for our salvation isn’t the end of the story though; we have the opportunity to reject the free gift that He offered through His Son on the cross. 

As Christians we have consciences formed by the history of our faith, our upbringing, or personal experiences in faith, and so it is important to choose the good which our conscience offers each and every time. It can be easier to see the failure in the virtue of others though. They aren’t living a life of faith like they should be. Their choices are offensive and wrong. They only care about themselves. We fall into these places of judgment in our mind, and yet the net the Lord casts is for every soul. 

To notice our brothers and sisters falling into sin is one thing, but our response is what is bearing on our soul. If we lash out in aggression and judgment without getting to know the individual, we very easily extend the divide between them and Christ even further. If we totally ignore their action, we are losing an opportunity to invite someone deeper into conversion. The middle way is often the best way. 

If we notice someone’s life is marked by opinions or actions that don’t seem to line up with the will of the Father and the teachings of the Church, we should get to know that person. In meeting them in their personhood we reveal to them that they are lovable—especially by their Father in heaven. As we learn about them we can often get a glimpse into the why of their decisions, and if we know the why we can help provide fuller answers. Oftentimes peoples’ actions are based on a deep need to be seen, known, and loved; which tells us that our exact response in relationship should be our best attempts to see them, know them, and love them. 

This doesn’t mean we should never be a confident speaker of truth against the sins of others, but it does mean that we should recognize the sweetness of their soul first, from that we as a community strive for righteousness. 

Have you ever been tempted to feel like God would judge you or love you less because of your actions? How has the Lord shown you His unending love and mercy to you? 

Is there someone in your life that expects you to judge them because of your faith? How does today's Gospel help you reach out to them with love and kindness?

How can you speak out in truth with great love and mercy today? 

"Have mercy on me, Lord."

"Lead me."

​"I will follow you."

Today, talk to someone who you normally wouldn't about God's love. Who is the person in your life that you are afraid to, or maybe just don't want to talk about your faith with that really needs to know God's gentle and unwavering love? Reach out to them today, be like Jesus to them and gently speak to them about the treasure of the Kingdom of God. 

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

When most people think of Martha, they probably think of the story where Jesus visited her at home with her sister Mary. Mary was sitting with Jesus and enjoying his company while Martha was running around being the anxious host. Martha was doing all of the work to make sure that Jesus’ stay was comfortable, but she felt unnoticed and unappreciated. She could not understand why Jesus was not speaking up and asking Mary to help her tend to the house! Martha was well-intentioned in trying to love the Lord through her work, but she failed to recognize that Jesus was inviting her to a new type of love: a love where she could simply rest in his presence. 

One of my favorite things about Martha is how bold she was in asking Jesus for what she wants. "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" and “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died”. The last quote is both a statement of faith and even an accusation. Martha was mourning the loss of her brother Lazarus and essentially told Jesus that she felt let down. Jesus could have kept Lazarus alive and he didn’t, which was devastating for Martha because she knew what Jesus was capable of. 

We are all experiencing a similar feeling of loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Maybe you are a recent high school graduate that was robbed of the prom and graduation you always dreamed of. Maybe you are mourning the loss of a family member or friend. Whatever your loss is right now, the Lord is not far from it. He is not looking to give you a half-hearted pat on the back and “you won’t even care about this in heaven”. Jesus did not shush Martha and immediately raise Lazarus from the dead to end her sorrow. Instead, Jesus joined Mary and Martha in their mourning before bringing Lazarus back to life shortly after. God recognizes how painful this period of loss may be and he wants to sit alongside you in the pain. Like Mary and Martha, let us allow Jesus into our suffering and then trust that he can resurrect the situation into something beautiful. 

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.
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Do I find myself simply able to rest in the Lord's presence? Why or why not?

What is something I want to boldly ask the Lord?

Where and how can I allow Jesus into my suffering?

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.
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"God is with us."

"Stay with the Lord."

"Christ is present."

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?
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​Ask something bold of the Lord today.