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 art of picking fresh fish is tough and comes with practise! Since I am the assigned chauffeur for my dad, who is the family fish buyer thanks to his skills, I learnt some from accompanying him to the fish market.
As a coastal state, Goa has fish and coconut in every meal! I have never met a true goan who doesnt miss home cooked “xit kodi nustem” or fish curry rice when away! It is a staple meal for rich and poor. So while I watched my dad pick out the fresh catch and bargain for reduction in price in the fish market, I learnt how vital it is to each “good fish” for the ultimate meal.
Much like the angels who will haul us in the nets and pick out the good ones! How does one know which is good? The Lord knows. Like a father with a keen eye , he scans and checks, tests us with trials and gives us chances via sacraments. He even bargains with the devil by repeated chances at atonement of our sins through all the scripture and sacraments in hope that he will get a good catch of his faithful !
It is not easy to be good, it is extremely hard but what makes it worth it is being chosen in the ultimate haul! The eternal life beyond the worldly confusion and chaos… let us try to be good today so that we maybe chosen on judgement day!
PRAYER:
Bless us Oh Lord in all our work and life so we may be meaningful and worthy disciples of your faith. Help us to stay strong in faith and give our best in our perseverance of your eternal life!
AMEN.
