J esus’ sharp statement that he would cause division rather than peace within families must have shocked his disciples. Was he exaggerating? Jesus used a typical Hebrew (Semetic) hyperbole to drive home an important lesson. We often do the same when we want to emphasize something very strongly. Jesus’ hyperbole, however, did contain a real warning that the gospel message does have consequences for our lives. It has the power to heal, restore, and unite those who believe its message. But the consequence of ignoring or rejecting the gospel can lead to many hurtful desires and seduction by the world.

Thursday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Romans 6:19-23

Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

L uke 12:49-53  "I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled! (50) I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished! (51) Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; (52) for henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three; (53) they will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against  her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

Meditation by Don Schwager

Do you want to be on fire for God? Jesus shocked his disciples when he declared that he would cast fire and cause division rather than peace upon the earth. What kind of fire did Jesus have in mind here? Fire in biblical times was associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people.  God sometimes manifested his presence by use of fire, such as the burning bush which was not consumed when God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3:2). The image of fire was also used to symbolize God's glory (Ezekiel 1:4, 13), his protective presence (2 Kings 6:17), his holiness (Deut. 4:24), righteous judgment (Zechariah 13:9), and his wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16). It is also used of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11 and Acts 2:3). God's fire both purifies and cleanses, and it inspires a reverent fear of God and of his word in us.

Jesus’ sharp statement that he would cause division rather than peace within families must have shocked his disciples. Was he exaggerating? Jesus used a typical Hebrew (Semetic) hyperbole to drive home an important lesson. We often do the same when we want to emphasize something very strongly. Jesus’ hyperbole, however, did contain a real warning that the gospel message does have consequences for our lives. It has the power to heal, restore, and unite those who believe its message. But the consequence of ignoring or rejecting the gospel can lead to many hurtful desires and seduction by the world.

When Jesus spoke about division he likely had in mind the prophecy of Micah: a man's enemies are the men of his own household (Micah 7:6). The essence of Christianity is loyalty to Jesus Christ, a loyalty that takes precedence over every other relationship. The love of God compels us to choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship (or anything else) above God is a form of idolatry. Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies, if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians 5:14)?

"Lord Jesus, may your love consume me and transform my life that I may truly desire nothing more than life with you. Make me strong in love and fidelity that nothing may hinder me from doing your will."

Supplementary Reading

SAfE SIDE

Do not lead us to the test . . . – Luke 11:4

I like the part in the Lord’s Prayer where it says, “Lead us not into temptation.” Being tempted is not a sin. Jesus himself was tempted yet He didn’t yield to it. Yielding to temptation is the sin.

Temptation is all around us — from the billboard signs to the people we deal with. Some directly lead us to sin. Others are neutral, like an apple on a fruit stand that can become sin if you take it without paying. We must be aware of temptations that directly lead us to sin, especially those we are weak at and have stumbled on many times.

I have a friend who came out from a one-year drug rehab program. He’s well now. But he knows that to keep himself well, he has to avoid the people and places that led him to his previous addiction. He does not challenge himself. He knows he might or will actually fall if he gets near those occasions of sin.

Yes, we have to be strong amidst temptation. But when we are faced with situations that weaken our resolve, it’s better to pray, “Lead us not into temptation...” And to be on the safe side, run away from it.  Alvin Barcelona

REFLECTION:

Are there temptations that you keep on falling into because you have not been avoiding them?

Our Father in heaven… lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. Amen.

Thought of the Day

Could you have forgotten the presence of God in you? Rest in him, express an intention…and you will find him wherever you happen to be, at home, at work, in a street filled with the noise of traffic….

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