Not peace but Division     Luke 12:49-53

The Lectionary Gospel reading for today is puzzling and a bit sobering.  In his opening words, Jesus tells the disciples: “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” He continues talking about the baptism with which he would be baptized and the anguish he would experience in this process. He also warns his disciples that he has not come to establish peace on earth but rather division. He says that a household of five people will be divided. Father and son will be divided against each other as will mother and daughter, and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law. What difficult words these must have been for the disciples to hear. Were they confused? Were they worried? or were they simply frightened by Jesus’ words?
 
What do you think the message is that Jesus is trying to convey to the disciples (and to us)? Is he trying to open our minds and hearts to the reality of our world and the reality of our human condition?
 
In today’s world, every day we see and hear stories of division and violence in families, cities and countries. Perhaps the most frightening stories are the acts of destruction that take place in our own country, our cities, our neighbourhoods and perhaps within our own families.
 
What is the message Jesus is trying to convey to us? Is he trying to frighten us? Or is he simply hoping to awaken us? Is Jesus trying to motivate us to live peacefully, lovingly, cooperatively and respectfully with each other? Even the people we may not like or agree with? 
 
Take a moment and imagine a world where every single person was respected and honoured simply because they are a human being whom God created in love. We are those people. Every person on earth was created from God’s loving heart.  And yet, we “war” upon one another with our words,our actions, and violence. 
 
Today let’s think of a person we struggle with. It may be someone who has hurt us or angered us. Or it may be a person we simply don’t like or one who grates on us. Let’s imagine that person in our mind for a moment or two. Then surround that person with acceptance, peace and joy. 
 
We will have given a person a loving gift today. True, they may not consciously recognize what we have done. However, their “spirit” will know that someone has gifted and graced them today!  And be alert and attentive! Perhaps we may receive a similar gift!
 
With every blessing
 
 
Linda Nicholas