REFLECTIONS TODAY
It is shocking to hear Jesus describe himself as source of division. After all, isn’t he the Prince of Peace? (Is 9:5). What division is he talking about?
The experience of Christ’s early followers testifies to this external conflict that can arise in following the way of the Lord. When we are all set to follow the Lord, and the people around us are not, surely, division will occur.
Christian values are contrary to worldly values. When there is difference or contradiction of values among persons living and working together, clash is unavoidable. Interpersonal relationships are strained.
In all this, the Christian ought to be prepared and be steadfast in the values that one holds dear as a follower of Christ.
There may be conflict outside, but one can experience inner peace. Have we experienced episodes of conflict with regard our Christian values? Did we deal with them using the peace that Christ sustains in our hearts?
First Reading • Eph 3:14-21
Brothers and sisters: I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Gospel • Luke 12:49-53
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.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.