Fishnet and Discernment

Here is another reflection on prayer borrowing from  Jesus' images in the parables of chapter 13 of Matthew. "The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Mtt: 13:47  When you take up a passage of scripture for prayer, you launch into a sea of mystery, with its many words surrounding you. You cast your net into this sea of words, to draw out as much of Wisdom's message as you are able. When you have completed your "fishing", and your net is full, you call upon the Spirit to come and join you. Together you hall your catch of words and thoughts and ideas ashore. You listen carefully to the Spirit guiding you as together you seek out those that fill up God's good message to you. The rest you throw back into the sea. Fishing without discernment (and without the Spirit) will lead to a bucket full of fishy smelling ideas.  More on this in the PAGE: Praying On a Passage of Scripture.