“Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword” (Mt 10:34).
Words to live by from the King of Peace. The reality of this statement is the reality of his mission. Jesus entered the lives of individuals. Some said yes to following him and some said no; some saying yes and no within the same family. The image of the sword represents how sharp and stark this choice could cut. If you do not think that is true, just look at the polarization in our country right now. The cut between democrat and republican is quite deep.
During the time of Jesus and for most within the first generation of believers, there was not a luke-warm choice. You were either for Jesus or against Jesus. Unfortunately, today, the Gospel is being shaped more by politics than the Gospel shaping politics. It is more important that we follow Jesus, putting him first before any politician or political party. All parties are deficient in following the teachings of Jesus.
We, who have chosen to follow Jesus, need to speak truth to the issues and hold leaders accountable on all sides. Our starting point for any issue needs to be respecting, first and foremost, the dignity of the person from the moment of conception and everywhere in between until natural death and the stewardship of God’s creation. In that dialogue, dialogue, not monologue, we need to respect those we share our views with and be willing to also listen. We can and will disagree, but we need to resist demonizing one another.
Let us begin by learning the teachings of Jesus, applying them to our lives, praying for our leaders, praying for one another, and seeking to enter dialogue – inviting the Holy Spirit to give us the words to speak and ears to hear.
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Mass readings for Monday, July 17, 2017: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071717.cfm
Spiritual Stepping Stones