July 31, 2025 Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest
Daily Readings: Exodus 40:16–21, 34–38; Matthew 13:47–53
Today’s first reading narrates the origin of the tabernacle the sacred dwelling place of God among His people. Moses is entrusted with the task of constructing the first-ever tabernacle within the tent of meeting, following the exact command of the Lord. He spreads the tent over it, places the mercy seat above the ark, and brings the ark inside. Then something profound happens: the cloud covers the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle.
This cloud, a visible sign of God’s presence, guided the Israelites in their journey. When the cloud remained, they stayed. When it lifted, they moved on. As Exodus 40:38 affirms, “The cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel at each stage of their journey.” The tabernacle became the assurance of God’s abiding presence an ever-present companion in their wandering.
The Gospel reading presents the parable of the net, underscoring the all-inclusive nature of God’s Kingdom. Like a net cast into the sea, it gathers all kinds of fish good and bad alike. At the end of the age, there will be a sorting: the angels will separate the righteous from the wicked.
This parable carries an eschatological message, reminding us that divine justice, though delayed, is inevitable. As Jesus concludes His parable discourse, He offers a striking insight: “Every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old” (Mt 13:52). This statement may well reflect the Gospel writer’s identity and mission a call to value both tradition and revelation.
Today, we also honour St. Ignatius of Loyola, a man who shaped generations through his deep spiritual insight and commitment to God’s greater glory Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam. His life inspires us to root every thought, word, and action in a desire to glorify God.
Call to Action: In a world obsessed with self-glory and achievements, can I consciously do things today that bring glory to God alone?
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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