Thoughts for the Day

'Again the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous...

(New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

During my ministry I have worked in five Dioceses. In Worcester Diocese I worked across the whole Diocese helping set up training for children's workers in parishes and schools and running big events. The one thing all these jobs had, was planning meetings! All too often these end up with disagreements that lead to criticism! None of us are immune to this - we all make judgements about others, often not favourable ones.

The little parable of the dragnet has something to teach us about making judgements. The dragnet was a large square net held vertical in the water by chords at each corner, which formed a huge cone shape. Fish of all kinds were swept into the net, and sorted out by the owner on the beach. This parable is about the Kingdom of Heaven and the Church. Just as the net drags all kinds of fish in, so the Church will be a mixture of people.

The Church is not exclusive and only for totally committed, good, people. The Church is inclusive and open to all - for those who doubt, those with no belief, those totally committed, those who want to worship, those who want a social club, and those who want to learn about God! But it's not our task to make judgements about others, only to gather in all who come. The Kingdom of Heaven will be fully here, at the final judgement by God!

Thursday 30th July, follow up thoughts

Lord God,
help us to welcome all
who come to You,
with open minds
and loving hearts.
May we not judge
others, but work to
create a vibrant community
of Christians in this world.
Amen.