JEREMIAH 38: 4-6, 8-10
PSALM 39: 2-4, 18 R v.14
HEBREWS 12: 1-4
LUKE 12: 49-53
In today’s Gospel, Jesus talks about his message causing divisions in the World. He knows that his message will be rejected by many; it will result in persecution and death, that it will cause divisions even in families.
The Church for which Luke wrote this Gospel account would have seen the same divisions and that is why probably Luke would have inserted this saying of Jesus as they ask, “Why does the Good News cause friction among love ones?” Even today, Jesus teachings can cause divisions, even amongst good people in the Church
How difficult it is today to talk about some Christian morals without being attacked in return. We see this when the pope or the bishop speak out. Sometimes people feel that the Christian message is too harsh and feel a personal attack on their goodness or even feel judged. How often is our rejection of the commands of God due to what we want and not what is true, right and good?
We can become like children who do not like to eat their vegetables because they do not like it though it is good and necessary.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus also said, ‘I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already.’ Fire destroys what is there. With it though comes regeneration.
Jesus uses this metaphor to speak about a need to let him purify us of our sinful way to be less self-centered and more focused on God. It is then that we will become a new being in the image of God.
Next weekend we will be placing a plaque in the foyer recognizing that we believe in the sanctity of life from conception to its natural end. Even Amongst Catholics the legislation on abortion and euthanasia have caused arguments and friction and division.
There are two important things that we need to consider: One is that we should respect that the Church is the voice of Christ on faith and morals. We may struggle with what is taught but let us not ignore what is said. If we are not willing to listen to what our God teaches through the Church, then who among us would like to raise their hands and claim that authority.
Two is that whenever we speak let us do so with charity. We all struggle in different life issues, we are all sinners. When we speak it is never to judge others but to guide and support each other in being faithful to God.
When I reflect on my faith journey, I find my greatest growth in my relationship with God has been when I was challenged in life. In the end, the fire that Christ speaks of is a fire that will refine our souls to become a greater gift to God.
Merredin Catholic Parish 