Shaped by the Gospel
Jeremiah 18:1-6; Psalm 146; Matthew 13:47–53
In the first reading, we are told that the potter gradually reshapes and moulds something that goes wrong. In the gospel, Christ tells us that the good and the bad will be sifted on judgement day, and only the good will be allowed into the kingdom.
We must allow the gospel message to mould us each day into better Christians, just as the potter moulds his clay. Just as the potter’s hands carefully shape and refine the clay, so too can we allow God’s hands to shape and refine us through our experiences, challenges, and relationships.
By surrendering to His guidance and wisdom, we can be moulded into vessels that reflect His love, compassion, and grace. As we yield to the Potter’s touch, we become more pliable, more forgiving, and more merciful, allowing the beauty of His character to shine through us.
May we embrace this transformative process, allowing the gospel message to reshape us daily into the image of Christ, so that we may become instruments of His peace and love in a world in need of His redemption.
Today, the church celebrates the memorial of St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696–1787). He was a Catholic bishop, spiritual writer, and founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. He was a prolific writer and left behind a treasure trove of spiritual insights. His writings on prayer, devotion to Mary, perseverance, humility, suffering, mercy, and the danger of sin provide valuable insights for spiritual growth and development.
Let us pray
Lord God, you never cease to give new saints to your church as a pattern for holy living. Help us to imitate Saint Alphonsus in his zeal for souls so that we may share his reward in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
