Lectio
Luke 12:49–53
Meditatio
At first glance, Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel might startle us. Is Jesus really saying that he came to establish division? I thought he was a man of peace, of communion, and of union, certainly not one of division. So what can he possibly mean? Let’s take a closer look.
Jesus begins this discourse by saying to his disciples and to us that he has come to set a fire upon the earth. He ignites this fire through the preaching of his word. When accepted, his word refines and purifies us. Ultimately it transforms us into the persons we are called to be by virtue of our Baptism, that is, other Christs. If this word, however, is rejected, then division, separation, and alienation result, first within ourselves and then even within families. “… 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.…”
Yes, the word of God is a point of division. Either we are for Christ or against him; either we are with him or we are apart from him and we take others away from him. The only sure way to peace and communion within ourselves and with one another is through acceptance of this Word who is Christ, the Prince of Peace. We do this in and through faith. So I ask myself: where do I stand? Do I stand with Christ or against him? Do I accept his word that is at times difficult to live, with its many and varied challenges, or do I reject it? My daily actions will show where I stand.
Oratio
Jesus, your word is difficult to live. It constantly challenges me to come out of myself and to direct myself to others, to their needs rather than my own. Your word at times may even separate me from friends and loved ones. Yet I know that ultimately that same word will be a source of communion, union, and peace. Help me to accept your word always. Help me to live it in such a way that I will allow it to transform and change me.
Contemplatio
Jesus, Word of the Father, make me one in you!
Luke 12:49–53
Meditatio
“Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”
At first glance, Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel might startle us. Is Jesus really saying that he came to establish division? I thought he was a man of peace, of communion, and of union, certainly not one of division. So what can he possibly mean? Let’s take a closer look.
Jesus begins this discourse by saying to his disciples and to us that he has come to set a fire upon the earth. He ignites this fire through the preaching of his word. When accepted, his word refines and purifies us. Ultimately it transforms us into the persons we are called to be by virtue of our Baptism, that is, other Christs. If this word, however, is rejected, then division, separation, and alienation result, first within ourselves and then even within families. “… 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.…”
Yes, the word of God is a point of division. Either we are for Christ or against him; either we are with him or we are apart from him and we take others away from him. The only sure way to peace and communion within ourselves and with one another is through acceptance of this Word who is Christ, the Prince of Peace. We do this in and through faith. So I ask myself: where do I stand? Do I stand with Christ or against him? Do I accept his word that is at times difficult to live, with its many and varied challenges, or do I reject it? My daily actions will show where I stand.
Oratio
Jesus, your word is difficult to live. It constantly challenges me to come out of myself and to direct myself to others, to their needs rather than my own. Your word at times may even separate me from friends and loved ones. Yet I know that ultimately that same word will be a source of communion, union, and peace. Help me to accept your word always. Help me to live it in such a way that I will allow it to transform and change me.
Contemplatio
Jesus, Word of the Father, make me one in you!
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ORDINARY GRACE Weeks 18–34: Daily Gospel Reflections (By the Daughters of St. Paul)
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