Readings: Ephesians 3:14-21, Ps. 33:1-2,4-5,11-12,18-19, Luke 12:49-53
“Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; for henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three.” (Luke 12:51-52)
Going through today’s Gospel passage, one might become confused about what Jesus meant when he said he had come to cast fire on the earth and bring division rather than peace.
- In John 14:27, Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you; the peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” Is it possible to bring peace and division simultaneously? If a house is divided, three against two, how can they enjoy supernatural peace?
- For us to understand the division Jesus is referring to, let us return to what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; you should lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; you should lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matthew 5:29-30).
- The division Jesus brings is not the division of hatred, malice, unforgiveness, and quarrels between family members. Rather, Jesus is talking about the division of light from darkness. Just as we must cut off our eyes, hands, or legs to avoid sin, Jesus wants us to separate ourselves from whoever is bent on leading us to sin.
- Certain persons will suddenly withdraw from you when you are passionate about God and live according to his precepts. You automatically become an enemy to your friends who prefer darkness to light. Today, many Christians experience stunted spiritual growth (find it difficult to obey God’s commandments) because they are trapped in unhealthy relationships.
- I know of persons disowned by their family members for choosing to become Christians. Some had to flee for their lives because their family members sentenced them to death. A lady once shared how she was driven from home because she refused to obey her mother’s instruction to go into prostitution. I know of persons who ended their relationships after deciding to take their Christian faith seriously. To enjoy Christ's peace, you cannot be at peace with the world; everybody cannot be friends.
- The peace that Christ brings is not the same as that of the world. When you cut off everybody (and everything) that causes you to sin, you will experience true peace. This is the peace of knowing Christ and living according to his commands. It is the peace of knowing that whenever God calls you, your conscience is clean, and you are ready to give account like that faithful steward set over the Master’s household.
- That is the joy that St. Paul is referring to in today’s first reading: “I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.” (Ephesians 3:16-17)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, free us of whatever would keep us away from you. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of week 29 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 3:14-21, Ps. 33:1-2,4-5,11-12,18-19, Luke 12:49-53).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu