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

Division

When we read the gospels, we learn how loving, compassionate and kind Jesus is with everyone he meets. In the gospel for Sunday, we have a reading that shows a very different Jesus. This gospel is not easy to hear because Jesus says that he did not come to bring peace. “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” Can this be the gentle Jesus talking to the crowds? We are told that even families will be divided because of Him. 

Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

This may be hard to accept because these words challenge us to live out our faith regardless of the circumstances. They show how our beliefs, our faith can bring division, suffering, and the need for perseverance and sometimes reconciliation.

In the first reading Jeremiah lived out this challenge. He is thrown into a cistern for speaking the truth. Many did not agree with him and wanted him gone. Jeremiah did not stop trusting God. The second reading reminds us to keep going. We must stay strong. Our example is Jesus who faced the cross, but never gave up. Neither should we.

Jesus wants us to be reconciled and at peace with those around us, especially with those in our family, but we cannot do so by sacrificing our principals for what we consider to be true human values and the right ordering of society. This is the fire Jesus is referring to in our Gospel – that of authentic truth and justice. In many situations in our contemporary culture we’ll just have to agree to differ while continuing to love, support and encourage those around us.

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?