Following Jesus can bring us into confrontation with others

 
Reading: Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. Luke 12:51.
 
Good morning, happy Thursday, and many blessings my dear family.
 
Today’s Gospel (Luke 12:49-53) is a bit sobering. In his opening words, Jesus tells the disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!”  He continues talking about the baptism with which he would be baptized and the anguish he would experience in this process.
 
Then Jesus asks his disciples a question: “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”  He then talks about households being divided and family members turning on each other. What is the message Jesus is trying to convey to the disciples and to us?  Is he trying to open our minds and hearts to the reality of our world and the reality of our human condition?
 
In today’s world, every morning we see and hear multiple stories of division and violence: in families, cities, and countries.  Perhaps the most frightening stories are the acts of violence and destruction that take place in our own cities, our own neighborhoods and perhaps within our own families.
 
What is the message Jesus is trying to convey to us? Is he trying to frighten us? Or is he simply hoping to awaken us? Is Jesus trying to motivate us to live peacefully, lovingly, cooperatively, and respectfully with each person on earth, even the individuals we may not like or agree with?
What are you passionate about? The environment, politics, your football team. Jesus was passionate about his mission. He knew it would mean his death, but this seems to have made him show an even greater sense of urgency. Am I a lukewarm follower of Jesus or do I somehow share his passion in spreading the Kingdom according to my possibilities?
 
He came to bring division, and we know what this means: following Jesus can bring us into confrontation with others, even with our closest and dearest. I ask for wisdom and fortitude to know how best to deal with situations when my beliefs lead to differences with those around me.
 
Now, take a moment and imagine a world where every single person was respected and honored simply because he or she is a human being whom God created in love. Today I invite you to think of an individual with whom you struggle. It may be someone who has hurt or angered you, or it might be a person you simply don’t like or one who grates on you. Now, quiet yourself and imagine that person in your mind for a moment or two.  Then surround that individual with acceptance, peace and joy.  Hold this person in your mind for two or three minutes. You have given this individual a loving gift today.
 
 
Blessings,
 
Fr. Luis+