A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (12:40-53)
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.”
(The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!)
Reflection: Be steadfast
Today our Lord Jesus shares about division. Divisions happened before and during the time of the Romans, and divisions continue to even happen, here and now. Just look at how divided the nations of our world currently are. Nations going against nations, neighbor against neighbor, differences of opinions such as on how to save or not to save our planet. Differences in thoughts and ideals. Leaders of nations rallying together, but with differing opinions on how to end wars and conflicts, and how to protect the innocent lives in their care. Peace always seems to be momentary as conflicts continually re-occur. How divided our nation and world is.
Through it all God knows what we are all going through; our needs, our wants, our desires, as well our thoughts and the choices we make. Our Lord Jesus knows that divisions will occur and yet, he continues to journey with us through these challenges.
The apostles and disciples who followed Jesus faced intense persecution and became martyrs because of their great love of our Lord Jesus. They proclaimed the good news of forgiveness of sins, and the redemption of God’s people through our Lord Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection. If someone disagrees with us, be steadfast, may we continue to share the truth of God’s love, kindness, compassion, and mercy to all and truly to every person we meet.
We are called by Holy Spirit to be steadfast as God prompts us in our hearts through all hardships that we may face. To continue to proclaim the truths of the holy Gospel that our lives on earth are temporary. We are only just passing through this life, there is a better place awaiting for us in God’s kingdom of Heaven.
Let the fire of God’s love through His Spirit continue to stir us and inspire us to act always with kindness, and move us with compassion. May we always be steadfast, ready to serve our Lord Jesus as He prompts us daily to action. Help one another and encourage with the Hope of the eternal life that awaits us all.
Action for the Day:
Ask God daily. How can I serve you Lord? In what way may I be of service to share your kindness, goodness, mercy and love to my neighbor? How can I lead everyone to the good news of your heavenly kingdom?
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