Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38 / Matthew 13:47-53
When we walk into a house or a building, one impression that will come across quite obviously is the interior design and layout of the space.
We will know whether there was any thought given to what the house or building would look like before the renovations began and when the furnishings are moved in.
Interior design is the art and science of enhancing the interiors, sometimes including the exterior, of a space or building, to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the end user. An interior designer is someone who plans, researches, coordinates, and manages such projects.
In the 1st reading, we heard how God directed Moses on how the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant would look like and Moses proceeded with the details.
Obviously, the interior designer is God because He wanted to show the important aspects of who He is - there was the throne of mercy, the screening veil, the Testimony - all that were glimpses of who God is and how He relates with His people.
So only the important and necessary things were put into and around the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant, and the people would experience the presence of God with it.
In the gospel, Jesus told a parable of a dragnet that brings in a haul of all kinds. Then the fishermen would collect the good fish in a basket and throw away those that were of no use.
Similarly, in this world, we are exposed to all sorts of things in what we see and hear. We must choose and discern what is good, keep it and throw away what is of no use.
It is God who created out hearts and it is His designs that we must follow. Then our hearts would look like the dwelling place of God and others would be able to experience the presence of God in us.