Theme: “Formed for Mission, Transformed by Love”
Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II)
Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest
Readings:

  • Jeremiah 18:1–6

  • Psalm 146:1b–2, 3–4, 5–6ab

  • Matthew 13:47–53

Introduction

A young boy, watching a potter at work, asked, “Do you ever make mistakes?”
The potter replied, “Only every time I start. But then I reshape it into something better.”
The boy responded, “Then I must be a masterpiece in progress, because I mess up all the time!”

Just like that potter, God patiently reshapes our brokenness into something beautiful. Today’s readings and the legacy of Saint Ignatius of Loyola invite us to surrender ourselves into God’s forming hands.

The Word of God

Jeremiah 18:1–6 presents a powerful image of God as the Divine Potter. Jeremiah is instructed to observe a potter reworking clay on a wheel. When the vessel becomes misshapen, the potter does not discard it but reshapes it. This signifies God’s authority and mercy in re-forming His people.

Psalm 146 echoes trust in God's sovereignty and creative power, celebrating His justice and mercy for the poor and the broken.

Matthew 13:47–53 concludes the parables of the kingdom with the image of a fishing net gathering all kinds of fish. The sorting that follows speaks to the final judgment but also serves as a reminder: our lives are always under God’s discerning care and purpose.

Connection of the Readings

All three readings emphasize that God is both just and merciful. He shapes, reshapes, gathers, and discerns. In this, He invites us to cooperate with His grace rather than resist His forming hands. Saint Ignatius of Loyola, through his conversion and founding of the Jesuits, is a living witness to God's transformative power in one who surrendered to being shaped anew.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where in my life am I resisting the hands of the Divine Potter?

  2. What "fish" or attitudes in my life need to be sorted out by God’s grace?

  3. How can I allow myself to be used for God's mission like Ignatius did?

Implications for Daily Living in Light of the Jubilee Year and Synod on Synodality

  • Jubilee Year: The image of reshaping reminds us of the call to renewal. The Holy Year is a time to return to the Lord’s workshop, where we are made vessels of mercy, justice, and love.

  • Synod on Synodality: Like the net in the Gospel, the Church gathers a diversity of people and gifts. The synodal journey is about listening, discerning, and shaping a Church that walks together in faith and service.

Inspiration / Motivation

Saint Ignatius famously prayed: “Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty…” This prayer of total surrender reflects a heart molded by God. May we, too, allow God to knead our lives, cut away what doesn’t belong, and shape us for His greater glory.

Inspirational Quote

“God writes straight with crooked lines – and shapes masterpieces out of broken clay.” — Inspired by Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Final Thoughts

We are all works in progress. The readings today and the life of Saint Ignatius challenge us to trust the process of divine transformation. God's hands are gentle, yet firm. His purpose is not to discard but to redeem, not to condemn but to form. Let us sit on the wheel and let Him work.

Conclusion

In the Potter’s hands, there is hope. The net of the kingdom is wide enough to hold all of us, but God patiently invites us to be shaped into vessels of holiness, peace, and mission.

Concluding Prayer

Heavenly Potter,
Shape us according to Your will. Where we are cracked, mend us. Where we are resistant, soften us. Make us vessels of Your mercy and instruments of Your peace.
Through the intercession of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, teach us to find You in all things and to serve You with undivided hearts.
Grant that during this Jubilee Year and Synodal journey, our Church may be molded by love and mission.
Amen.

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