13-Oct-16

Gospel LK 12:49-53
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing!
There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,
and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three;
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,
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
Reflection:
Prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, people lived under the rule of an "eye for an eye."
Death by stoning was punishment for breaking the law. Forgiveness was considered a weakness.
Jesus came to announce a new way of life: that includes mercy and love of neighbor.
The "baptism" that Jesus speaks of is the baptism of His death on the cross.
Jesus knew that His message of love, followed by His death and resurrection, would cause a "fire" of division within families and among nations.
Justice and peace on earth is the goal of both Jesus and His disciples.
But, peace of a person's soul or of the world will only be attained when, like Christ, people of faith choose to sacrifice self out of love of their fellow man.
"You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also....'" - - Matthew 5:38-39