Matthew 13:47-53 They gather the good and throw away the bad.

Today Jesus refers to the Kingdom as a large net thrown into the sea, collecting every sort of sea creatures and probably an assortment of trash thrown into the water.  As Jesus’ disciples, we throw out our nets daily in our various ministries.   It can be frustrating to sort through it all, taking what is good and putting it into our buckets and caring for people and situations that need much more love and attention.  We do this in trust that God is using us as his instrument in the world.  It is also a task we must do in our own lives.  Through the examen, we reflect on what we need to cast away—our jealousies, selfishness and acts of pride, to name but a few, and replace them with the gifts of the Spirit.