More beautiful commentary on Matthew's Gospel

On Matthew 13:48--
"When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good (τα χαλα--beautiful) into buckets. What is bad (τα σαπρα--rotten) they throw away."
(the Greek notes are from Leiva Merikakis, Erasmo. Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word II, 307)

 "The judgment occurs, not on the basis of any respect of persons or subjective favoritism, but strictly on the primary evidence of the senses. Goodness and badness are equated, respectively, with beauty and rottenness, that is, with the ability or inability of a fruit or fish to please the eye, delight the palate, and nourish the body. In other words, those who are considered worthy of the Kingdom are admitted into it on the basis of their capacity to contribute their whole being to the Kingdom for the benefit of all." (Leiva Merikakis, Erasmo. Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word II, 308)

I love the parable of the fishermen, which is the Gospel for today. The net "collects fish of every kind," and that is a great source of consolation and hope. There are good-beautiful fish and bad-rotten fish in every family, every community, every faith and walk of life. All the good ones, the ones who lived integrated lives, making the most of their gifts and circumstances, will be saved, and will shine brightly in the kingdom of Heaven. But the bad ones--rotten to the core, who did not live up to their potential but wasted all, will be thrown away (please, Lord, have mercy and let the number of these be few! The Love of Your Heart is great, I know, and You desire that all be saved. Save us, then, Lord, and let not one of Your little ones be lost!) But which group will I be in? It is my decision to make: by every thought, word, and action of my daily life I determine my final destiny. Lord, help me to choose wisely and follow the course You have laid out for me in love this day!