Daily Reflections ...

This unexpected statement from Jesus is in complete contrast to His intentional reassurance to the Apostles before His death when He said, ‘Peace I leave with you.  My peace I give to you.’ (John 14:27) Peace, freedom and life are foundational precepts in both Old and New Testament texts and prophesies, so what is Jesus really trying to communicate by presenting this concept of division?

Christ’s divine fervour for all souls is marked by His desire to establish God’s Kingdom on earth. Each soul has been paid for by the price of His blood. Such a gift cannot be dismissed, and the surging current of Divine love demands the full attention and commitment of those who have been baptised into the Body of Christ, to participate in that love in the measure it was given. 

The peace of God’s kingdom isn’t a Disney version of lollipops and rainbows, supporting choices and behaviours that do not lead to holiness. Peace is accomplished in the subtle purification of the pride, prejudices and behavioural choices that are not of God.  We either choose to follow Christ or we don’t. His Peace is reliant on the measure that His teachings are lived in our families, communities, churches and countries. 

As we follow Christ by living the Paschal Mystery in our daily dying to all that is not of God, we rise to new life in the Holy Spirit. May the light of His Word penetrate those divisions of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, thoughts and attitudes and lead us to healing and everlasting peace.

by Margaret O’Shea