Not peace but the sword
Jesus seems to contradict himself. He was born to bring peace and salvation to the world, but now he says the opposite. Here, he is to bring, not peace, but the sword that divides. Division is the consequence of accepting Jesus in one’s life. Not all in the household will accept the message of Jesus. Some or the majority of them will stay put in their old religion, rather than adopt another new and untried teachings.
The beginning of Christianity was beset with troubles and conflicts.
Literally, a father would cast out his daughter or son who becomes a follower of Jesus, who at that time did not yet have a name. For the early Christians, it was a big gamble to join the new group, which was still trying to establish itself and ĸnd acceptance in society; but they
had hopes that the new would be better than the old. In Christianity, there is much more space for the Spirit of hope and freedom.
Sticking to the old does not promise a new and brilliant future. Peace will only come about when the disciples are totally connected with Jesus and totally disconnected from all that hampers the new relationship.
First Reading • Is 1:10-17
Hear the word of the Lord, princes of Sodom! Listen to the instruction of our God, people of Gomorrah! What care I for the number of your sacriĸces? says the Lord. I have had enough of whole-burnt rams and fat of fatlings; in the blood of calves, lambs and goats I ĸnd no pleasure.
When you come in to visit me, who asks these things of you? Trample my courts no more! Bring no more
worthless offerings; your incense is loathsome to me. New moon and sabbath, calling of assemblies, octaves with wickedness: these I cannot bear. Your new moons and festivals I detest; they weigh me down, I tire of the load. When you spread out your hands, I close my eyes to you;/ though you pray the more, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood! Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: publishing@ stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.