Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest
In today’s parable, we look beyond the present to the end of the age. At the end of the age, God’s Kingdom will be like a giant net that scoops up everything. And then the angels will step in and separate out the good and the bad. What is good is kept, and what is bad is thrown away. Now that can seem kind of discouraging, because we know that we are a mixed bag, with some good and some bad. What is going to happen with us?
But we are not at the end of the age now. Now is the time to busy ourselves with doing our own sorting, recognizing what is bad in us and working on changing this into something good. And recognizing what is good in us so that we can make it better. Of course, none of us can see ourselves clearly, so it is helpful to look for people who are wise and who can help us to see ourselves clearly enough to help us sort through this better.
And of course, we also recognize that there is a good chance that we won’t be finished with this task before we come to the end of our own age. That is why the Catholic doctrine of Purgatory is such a mercy. This tells us that the time of sorting out and purifying extends even beyond our own lives. We simply need to be patient with ourselves, and Christ will get us to perfection.
Reflection by Fr. Aquinas Keusenkothen, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections