Jesus: A Cause of Division

Today's Reflections

                                                                          

                                                                          

 

Jesus: A Cause of Division

Lk 12:49-53

[Jesus said to his disciples,] ⁴⁹“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! ⁵⁰There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! ⁵¹Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. ⁵²From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; ⁵³a 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.”

DIVISION. Every now and then Jesus makes affirmations that are hard to understand. We wonder whether we should take his words literally or figuratively. In cases like these we turn to Catholic Bible scholars for help.

In the Gospel, Jesus says that he has come to bring fire to the earth. Jesus here refers to the purifying effect of fire, as what happens in a crucible where gold and dirt are separated. Jesus wants to purify the earth, the people of the world. Those who follow him are divided or set apart from those who oppose him.

Jesus also speaks of a baptism with which he must be baptized. This is the baptism of blood brought about by his passion and death. He wants wholeheartedly and intensely to redeem mankind through his passion and death on the cross.

When we choose Jesus, we should not be surprised if we stand opposite to others who do not accept his teaching and live his commandments.

Is my Catholic faith strong enough

to withstand teachings contrary to Christ’s?