Jeremiah 18:1-6 / Matthew 13:47-53
Strength and hardness are qualities that are highly regarded.
So metals like titanium is known for its high strength, low density, and strong resistance to rust.
But if it is subjected to oxygen contamination, or low temperatures, or improper alloying, then it can become brittle and break easily.
Similarly clay vessels are hard and durable, but they can also be easily broken.
In the first reading, God told Jeremiah to go down to the potter’s house and to observe what the potter is doing.
Whenever the vessel came out wrong, the potter could start afresh while the clay is still soft.
It was a reminder to the people that God can do whatever He wanted to them if they did wrong.
But the other message is also that if the people were soft like the clay in the potter’s hand, then God can form them with love and faithfulness.
In the gospel parable of the dragnet, it is a reminder for us that this world has many types of people, just as there are many types of fish.
We may be affected by some people’s unkind actions and we can succumb to the hardening of our heart against these people.
But let us remember that all judgement belongs to the Lord our God.
Let our hearts be soft like the clay in the potter’s hand and God will shape us into a beautiful creation.