Treasures New and Old

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Jer 18:1-6; Ps 146:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6AB; Mt13:47-53

Treasures New and Old

The summation of the gospel portion today is the wrap-up of the Third Book of the Gospel of Matthew. It concludes the Kingdom of Heaven parables with the net cast into the sea expression (When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there). It makes a conclusive statement that the Kingdom will contain both the righteous and the wicked unto the Final Judgment. The purpose is clear, the conversion of hearts. The Lord tolerates the evil for the purpose of their salvation and their conversion. How very important salvation and conversion is that the entire body of righteous must suffer in the hopes of further change.

“Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”

Here Jesus is summing the previous teachings of the Torah and the newly expressed teachings of the Good News as a compendium to be used to teach for all time. The Gospel of Matthew has additional parables later in the books covering a different set of truths. From here on, Jesus expands the Gospel message.

Reflection

The teaching from Jeremiah brings forth the nature of the divine care in our formation. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel. The potter will mold and remold the clay until the proper form is made. So too the Lord will always be at work forming and reforming the people so as to be molded to the right way of being.

This is a comfort — not a punishment! The clay is NOT harmed by the molding and remolding. It is perfected by the process.

Sacred Readings

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080124.cfm

First Reading

Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel.

Responsorial

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.

Gospel Acclamation

Open our heart, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

Gospel

Jesus said to the disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry