Today’s first and gospel readings are full of parables. The image of God as a potter while we are clay in His hands is beautiful imagery. The potter (God) lovingly works the clay (us) into a particular shape He has in mind. But most often the shape has to be worked and re-worked. God continues patiently to mold the clay, even softening it with His tears to make it pliable. God has given us a mind and free will and we decide whether we want to be shaped into God’s plans.

Jesus compares the scribes to the father in the family. Parents are responsible for the life of the family and transmit the faith and wisdom they have received to their children. Jesus wants the people who are responsible for the faith in the community to be like a father within a family. Parents, teachers, priests, nuns, catechists, the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation – assist God in molding his people for the Kingdom of heaven.

At the end of time, God will cast His net into the sea of humanity and haul in the catch. Sadly, some will have to be thrown into the fiery furnace. To the righteous He will say, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Mathew 25:34)