Daily Reflection – 10/26/2023
Sacred Scripture
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.” (Luke 12:49-53)
Reflection
Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus came to set our hearts on fire, burning brightly with His love and motivating us to not only step out in faith but to step up to what our faith is about. That’s what He wants. But too many Christians want it a little less dramatically.
It’s almost as if we draw near to God with asbestos around our hearts.
We don’t draw near with the love we should. We can say our prayers, but rush through them without love. We go to Church but time the preacher’s sermon. We want our Christianity “light” please. Oh, and not a lot of rules either because we value our freedom.
We want a Jesus to tell us that He loves us, but we don’t want a Jesus to remind us that it is our sins that keep us away from the fullness of his love.
Isn’t that similar to the world most of us live in? We live in a world which does not want to feel guilty for embracing a life of uninterrupted pleasures. We want our meat drowned in gravy but minus fat. We want our drinks laced with sugar but minus calories. And that spills over to our relationship with Jesus Christ.
We want a comforting Jesus minus the demands.
We want our Christianity to always be about Christmas. . . charming portrayals of a baby in a manger, animals standing meekly nearby, a remarkably well-recovered new mother looking on lovingly at her new-born child, shepherds gazing in wonder, wise men laying down their gifts, and a clear sky above with one star brighter than all others.
I like these images too. But they distract, and we forget that the one in that manger is God’s Messiah by whom the world will be judged, the one who will hang in bloody agony on a cross for our sins until dead.
The Gospel today reminds us that Jesus is challenging us to choose him and when we do, there is a cost to be borne. When we choose Jesus, Calvary is our home.
Jesus was motivated by the will of the one who had sent him. But step followed step down the road to that dreadful baptism. For us, he faced terror and gave his whole life. But it never stopped him.
Jesus also knew that following him might bring division.
Jesus is not teaching emotional hatred for family members but making it very clear that all relationships must be secondary to following him. Jesus’ words also show that discipleship disturbs life and relationships. Jesus’ message was hard but honest. No one who hears and considers his words could ever feel misled about the cost of discipleship. But also, no one who hears and considers his words could ever doubt that there is no other choice to make than surrendering to him as Lord, no other life worth living than giving every day and every breath to him, His way is the only way.
If we are to choose the less travelled road of moral integrity otherwise known as the less travelled path of suffering then only Jesus can be our rock, our salvation. Nothing less is good enough to be a shield and an armor in the winds that blow against us. Choosing Jesus, means that we need to be prepared for stronger winds that blow, and to steel ourselves because the temptations will become more acute. But, as the author to the Hebrews says, let us persevere and keep running steadily in the race we have started. It is Jesus, who leads us in our faith and brings us to the joy of eternal life.
Prayer of The Day
“Lord, may your love consume me and transform my life so 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.”
Daily Note
Certainly, Jesus came to bring peace. But it would never be superficial peace. It would never mean everyone agreeing. It would never make every follower likeable and appreciated by everyone else. It would never mean a life filled with nothing but harmony, as if there were no anger, no division, no uncertainty, no struggles. Those who would go the way of Jesus travel a road with trouble and trial, sacrifice and sadness, darkness, and despair. Yes, there will be joy, and glory, and life eternal. That will be in heaven, but also here and now. But the here and now is not only happiness but hardship, not only unity but division. The road ahead is good but not an easy road to travel. Yet, it’s the only road that leads us home to our Father.
