There’s a lot of divisiveness in the world today, so it might be troubling to hear a biblical text that seems to encourage even more division. What is Jesus teaching us in this Gospel? It helps if we keep in mind the pitfalls of taking Scripture out of context.
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on 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.”
We must remember that this passage is a continuation of last Sunday’s Gospel in which Jesus speaks of the challenge of living in the world as one of his disciples.
We call Jesus the Prince of Peace. When he appeared to his disciples after his Resurrection, his greeting to them was the reassuring, “Peace be with you.” This is all true, but he also warned his followers that after he was gone, they could expect a life burdened with opposition. They would be hauled before governors and officials. They would be beaten and jailed and put to death. Those in power would think they were doing the world a favor by ridding the world of Christians. In this sense, Jesus was not bringing peace. By the time Luke’s Gospel was written, his prophecy of persecution and division was indeed coming true, and there was more to come.
Jesus is not advocating war or conflict, but his message will inevitably lead to division because it challenges worldly values and priorities. The world promotes consumerism and stockpiling possessions. Jesus teaches us to let go of those material things that may distract us from God. The world’s leaders and influencers promote a “Me First” way of thinking, sometimes to the point of violence and turmoil. Jesus teaches us to love one another, to walk the path of reconciliation.
Today’s Gospel specifically mentions division within families: father against son, mother against daughter, and so on. As many of us have personally experienced, following Jesus can create conflict with friends and family members who do not share our faith or values. The Second Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews helps us put this challenge in perspective:
Brothers and sisters: Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
The message today is that we followers of Christ must be prepared to endure opposition for our beliefs – even from loved ones who are closest to us. In the face of such opposition, we need not be confrontational. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, whose healing touch brings reconciliation and peace. We bring people to Christ not by heated arguments but by the gentle example of love.
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Entrance Antiphon Turn Your Eyes, O God, Our Shield (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #157
Today’s Entrance Antiphon is from Psalm 84: “Turn your eyes, O God, our shield; and look on the face of your anointed one; one day within your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” To dwell in the “courts” or house of God is indeed a treasured blessing.
Entrance Chant The House that Love Is Building (Sarah Hart)
Breaking Bread #319
Sarah Hart’s hymn complements the Entrance Antiphon’s invitation to dwell in God’s house that is built on love.
Responsorial Psalm Lord, Come to My Aid (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 298
Curtis Stephan’s verbatim psalm setting has an appealing simplicity.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Restoration (Josh Blakesley and Leland G. “Grae” McCullough, IV)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 300
The acclamation verse from John 10 underscores Jesus’ teaching on discipleship from today’s Gospel. Jesus knows us and understands what we are going through.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Hold On to Love (Jesse Manibusan)
Breaking Bread #430
Jesse’s uplifting song encourages us to cling to God’s love despite the burdens or hardships that challenge us daily.
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Communion Antiphon With the Lord There Is Mercy [Option 1] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #158
Antiphon Option 1 is a plaintive prayer of trust in God’s generous mercy.
Communion Chant I Will Choose Christ (Tom Booth)
Spirit & Song #220; Never Too Young #261; Breaking Bread #495
Tom Booth’s song of discipleship sings of choosing Christ, choosing love, and accepting the challenge of the Cross.
Sending Forth Forever (Chris Tomlin)
Never Too Young #90
This song of thanksgiving by Chris Tomlin strengthens us as we go forth from this Eucharist into the world. God’s love endures forever!
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