Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full, they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad, they throw away.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers a series of brief parables that invite us to recognize what is truly valuable and to develop the wisdom to distinguish what leads to life from what leads us away from God. The final image—the net gathering fish of every kind before the good are separated from the bad—reminds us that discernment is an essential part of the Christian life.
Every day we are faced with choices. Some are obvious, while others are far more subtle. Evil often disguises itself as convenience, popularity, or self-interest. Goodness, on the other hand, frequently requires patience, humility, forgiveness, and sacrifice. The disciple of Christ is called to look beyond appearances and ask: Does this thought, word, or action draw me closer to Christ and help me love God and my neighbor?
Yet Jesus’ teaching is not an invitation to become harsh judges of others. We are called first to examine our own hearts. When we encounter evil—in ourselves or in the world—we are not to respond with hatred, revenge, or contempt. We are called to respond as Christ did: with truth spoken in love, mercy that seeks conversion, courage that refuses to compromise, and hope that never gives up on the possibility of redemption.
To discern well, we must remain close to the Lord through prayer, the Scriptures, and the sacraments. The more our hearts are conformed to Christ, the more readily we recognize the difference between good and evil, and the more naturally we respond with His compassion, patience, and justice.
May we treasure the Kingdom above all else, seek the wisdom that comes from God, and reflect Christ in every choice we make.
ANNIVERSARY PLANNING – Last week I shared with you an update on the tentative schedule events for the year leading up to our 75th Jubilee of our parish in November of 2027. You can check last week’s bulletin available on our webpage to review that schedule. I am grateful that a steering committee and several other committees have been formed. I am reaching out to encourage all our parishioners to get involved with something. For more information and to express your interest, please contact Annaleigh in the rectory (annaleighC@srolchurch.org).
Our steering committee felt very strongly that we should use this opportunity to celebrate and learn about our parish history. Some ideas are planning a meaningful anniversary event each month, include “Did You Know?” historical feature in the bulletin, share photographs, highlight longtime parishioners and ministries, feature stories of former pastors, priests, deacons, Dominican Sisters, and other influential members of the parish, and historical lectures or storytelling presentations. If you are interested in working on the historical aspect of our parish history, please leave your information with Linda Hanna at the rectory.
SUMMER FAMILY FESTIVAL – As we mark the final days of this year’s annual Family Festival, I thank everyone who participated and supported the event. Special thanks to the Town of Oyster Bay, TOB Public Safety, 7th Precinct of the Nassau County Police Department, and Massapequa Fire Department for their support in maintaining a safe atmosphere during these days. I thank our neighboring residents and businesses for their hospitality and patience throughout this week. I am grateful, too, for all our sponsors and the Showmobile performers for their generous support and effort. Special thanks to our principal, Mr. Brian Jensen, our school board and our parent volunteers for the planning, preparation and execution of the festival. Lastly, I am grateful that we have such a great partner in Mike Newton and Newton Shows.
Peace!
