Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10
Hebrews 12:1-4
Luke 12:49-53

Commitments

We were warned by Jesus in last Sunday’s Gospel that our commitment to Jesus requires us to honestly look at our attitude toward material possessions. We are to change and take seriously our moral responsibilities for our relationships with God and others.

This Sunday’s gospel encourages us to look at the implications of our commitments. We are reminded by Jesus that those who commit to him will find it affects the way we relate to friends and family members. When we commit to Jesus we are often forced to change the way we live our lives. This is not always a popular change for some of those with whom we come in contact.

The words and challenge from Jesus in the gospel are not easy to hear. The decision to be committed to Jesus, to change our lives as needed and to live accordingly is not easy and not always without conflict.

Jesus is the model for living this way because he did not choose the easy way to avoid conflict. He even warns the disciples and us to be prepared for hard times ahead.

We know that there are divisions among us in our families, society and the church. These divisions might not be so rampant if we were all open to hearing God’s Word and tried to respond and live according to the message.

Our commitment to God calls us to find ways to end divisions within our families, society and church. It means we respect persons different from us in any way. It means we are open to varying opinions. It means we go beyond our comfort zone to help others whenever and wherever needed. The bottom line is that we are the presence of God, the voice and touch of God to everyone we come in contact with. The refrain for the Responsorial Psalm could be our prayer for a place to start. “Lord, come to my aid!”

In what ways am I committed to hearing the Word of God and living is such a way that reflects that?

What do I need to change in my life to be more fully committed to God and neighbor?