Daily Gospel Reflection for August 2, 2018

Today's Gospel: Matthew 13:47-53 Today Jesus tells the parable of the net, representing the final judgment where the angels will separate the wicked from the righteous, where the wicked will go to hell and the righteous will enjoy Heaven with God. This passage is very clear about the existence of hell, “where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth”. Unfortunately, many people live as if there is no condemnation, believing that God´s mercy will save everybody. We don´t hear many sermons talking about sin and hell, as if both are just “figures of speech”. Of course God is merciful, but He is also just. In His infinite mercy, He gives all opportunities for us to love Him back, to show that we care for His Kingdom, while we are living in this world. He give us the Sacraments that help us to stay on the path to Heaven. He is continuously showing His love through divine providence in our lives, caring for our family, our friends, our country, our world. But if we live our lives selfishly, not caring for others or for God, if we don´t have a personal relationship with God, it is not justice for us to spend eternity with Him. We don't know when we will be called to answer for our lives, to show how we spent the time He gave us, so we have to be prepared. We have to try our best to love God above all things and to love the neighbor as we love ourselves. We can't waste time. Time is the most precious gift we received, after life itself. If we failed today, we ask for forgiveness and try again tomorrow. We are not alone: Jesus and Mary, along with our Guardian Angel, will help us through it.

Ponder:

Do I examine my conscience every night asking for forgiveness for what I have done wrong, preparing myself for death, if God takes my soul during my sleep?

Pray:

Dear Lord, help me live my life according to Your will, always remembering that my time on earth will expire and my eternal destination depends on how much I loved. Help me increase my love for You and to show this love in the service for others. Amen.