Thursday of week 17 in Ordinary Time
Saint Peter Chrysologus, Bishop, Doctor
Gospel: Matthew 13:47-53
In the conclusion of His parables on the Kingdom, Jesus speaks of the net that gathers every kind of fish and then of the scribe who has become a disciple of the Kingdom, bringing out of his treasure” what is new and what is old.” The Christian life is not about choosing between the old and the new, but about discovering the ever-new richness of God’s truth. The Gospel never grows old; yet every encounter with Christ opens new horizons, fresh insights, and deeper ways of living His love. A true disciple does not cling to the past out of fear, nor pursue novelty for its own sake. Instead, guided by the Holy Spirit, he continually discovers how God’s eternal truth speaks to the present moment. This requires an open mind, a discerning heart, and the courage to let God lead us into new depths of faith while remaining firmly rooted in what He has already revealed. Saint Peter Chrysologus did precisely this through his preaching, presenting the timeless Gospel in ways that touched the hearts of the people of his time. Every day, God invites us to find something new, not a different Gospel, but a deeper understanding of the same Christ, who continually renews those who follow Him. Let’s reflect: Do I allow Christ to renew my faith each day, discovering ever-new depths of His unchanging truth while remaining firmly rooted in His Gospel?
Don Giorgio