Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a big fishing net, let down into the sea, in which every kind of fish has been caught. When the net is full, it is dragged ashore. Then they sit down and gather the good fish into buckets, but throw the bad away. That is how it will be at the end of time; the angels will go out to separate the wicked from the just, and to throw the wicked into the blazing furnace, where they will weep and gnash their teeth.“
    Jesus asked, “Have you understood all these things?“ “Yes,“ they answered. So he said to them, “Therefore, every teacher of the law, who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven, is like a householder, who can produce from his store things both new and old.“

REFLECTION:
Read: Solomon asks God for an understanding and discerning heart. In everything, God works for the good of those who love him. The parables of the treasure and the trader reveal how much God values us.
Reflect: The two parables–of treasure and the trader–look similar, but they are surprisingly different! In the first, the Kingdom is the treasure. We stumble up on it, and those who desire, possess it. In the second, the Kingdom is the trader. He is looking for fine pearls and once he finds such pearl, he sells everything to buy it. Here, God is the trader who actively seeks for fine pearls–you and me–and upon finding us, God sells everything–even unto death–to possess us. The kingdom is an incredibly joyous place of mutual finding, at great cost.
Pray: Let us pray for the courage to sell everything to possess the King(dom).
Act: Commit Romans 8:28 to your memory.