Matthew 10:24-39
24 “A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; 25 it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! 26 “So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. 27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
32 “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; 33 but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. 34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
Peace or a sword?
Jesus said, "My peace I give you" in John 14:27. This Sunday’s Gospel reports what Jesus said to the disciples on another occasion. “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword….Whoever loves father or mother….son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” Matthew 10:34 & 37.
How do we reconcile peace with the sword that Jesus speaks about? He is not saying not to love our mother, father, sons or daughters. He is saying not to love them more than we love Him. Love Jesus first, as a priority and a primacy.
From the dawn of time, humanity has experienced disobedience to God's love and will. Among the same family, some share God's love with others, while others think about their own interests without respecting God's will. We have a conflict of insights and behaviors. Some respect and obey God, while others only think to implement their own desires without God's blessings. This is the sword Jesus speaks about.
Those who live according to God's will and use their skills to build up both themselves and the common good are those who enjoy the peace that Jesus gives, and not as the world gives.
Peace, according to St. John the Baptist, (whose birthday was celebrated yesterday) is the fruit of repentance and justice. To repent means to turn every thing to God. Justice is living in God’s presence and producing high quality works in His sight. Repenting and practicing justice in all we do produces peace in our lives.
Jesus invites us today to think about God's constant presence and about our love and obedience to Jesus’ commandments.
Do we still believe in God's love for us?
How do we reciprocate His love?
Do we give God priority in our choices, trying to act according to His voice and please Him?
How do we reconcile God's priorities in our life with the differences and conflicts that we encounter?
Jesus loves everyone and would like to see His peace residing in you!