From the Deacon's Desk

Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. (Matthew 13:47-53)

FISH OF EVERY KIND: I am a visual learner, so I generally work with Scripture by closing my eyes after reading, and visualizing what I have read.

God, the Great Fisherman, casting His huge net across the waters of the whole world and pulling in fish of every kind.

I know that day will come. I know I will end up in His net some day. What worries me is not knowing when. I would like to be ready when that time comes. I want to swim into the net fully prepared rather than get caught unexpectedly, or worse yet have the net pull me in when I am trying frantically to swim away!

What if he catches me on the day I get angry with Carol, one of the kids, or someone at work? Or on a day when I am being especially self-centered? What if the net scoops me up when my mind is drifting to the un-Godly? How about on a day when I fail to help someone in need?

I guess that is why Scripture tells us that God collects “fish of every kind.” He is pulling in fish that are prepared and willing to be caught, those caught unexpectedly, and those trying to avoid getting caught.

I am but a weak human being. I pray that I have the courage to live each day in preparation for my day in the net. May I be one of the fish swimming toward the net, confident that I have lived a life that has glorified Him.