Readings: Exodus 1:8-14,23; Psalm 124; Matthew 10:34-11:1
I feel resistance to the first line of the Gospel. Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth.’” I admit that I do want Jesus to bring peace to the earth! I wish my faith would bring peace to the divided and messy parts of my life. But we are being and invited into deeper understanding of discipleship that doesn’t va lue a convenient, easy path. Our country, our Church and our world are divided. I think there is division and strife in the groups and families that all of us are a part of. Sometimes we get caught up in valuing external loyalties. Jesus shakes us out of our little bubbles. Remember, being a disciple is difficult and countercultural. Being a disciple is living in this tension well … showing orientation towards Christ … not creating division or ignoring the tension that can surface with conflicting loyalties … navigating conflict well by gently and intentionally confirming our shared commitment to Christian discipleship. It may mean making the choice that is more simple, more loving and more generous … searching for best ways to care for the marginalized and the vulnerable. We no doubt have strong, loving relationships: we know we also have to make some hard choices in life to follow Jesus and live in a way that is consistent with his values. My reflection questions me and leads me into prayer: perhaps you, too?
When, recently, have I felt the countercultural tension of being a Christian disciple in our secular world?
When have I put other values or priorities above living in a way that prioritizes my love of Christ and those on the margins?
What could I do to give my energies towards the good of others?
Let us continue to pray for each other as we continue to discern our path as disciples of Christ. May we seek to listen to Christ as he guides us along a path that can be filled with tension and difficulty. Blessings. Fr. Brian