Homily (Reflection) for the Twentieth
Sunday of the Year (C) (18th August, 2019) on the Gospel
Jer 38:4-6.8-10;Ps 39:2-4.18. (R.v.14);
Heb 12:1-4;
Lk 12:49-53.
Imagine someone presenting two
pairs of boxing gloves to a couple on their weeding day. Certainly, it will
bring about different reactions which might include reflecting on the possible use
– playing, exhibition, toys, fighting their enemies or what? Or could it be for
fighting each other?
Topic: True mission of Jesus.
Today’s gospel pericope is one of
the scriptural passages that are often misunderstood. Hence for some, doing all
manner of things that are capable of bringing division is a good way of actualizing
Jesus’ mission on earth.
Jesus Christ is the “Prince of Peace” (Is 9:6). His coming would bring to an end wars between nations and His
days to be characterized by extraordinary peace, cf. Is 2:1-4. 11:6-9; Mic 4:1-5.
Despite all these and many more, in today’s gospel we read
these words of Jesus: “Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the
earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!” Barclay rightly noted that “to
those who were learning to regard Jesus as the Messiah, the anointed one of
God, these words would come as a bleak shock” (William Barclay, The daily study bible, IV, p. 169). And
for Fernando, “these words of Jesus seem surprising”.[1]
Jesus also said that He “came to bring fire to the earth ….”
We know that fire does a good number of functions both desirable and undesirable
ones; purification (Rev. 3:18, 1Pt 1:7),
punishment and destruction (Gen 19:24;
Matt 3:10,12; Matt 18:8-9; Matt 25:41; Lk
3:17; Mk 9:43), keeping warm (Mk 14:54), preparation of meals (Jn 21:9), among others. There are other
uses of fire but for the purpose of this homily, we limit ourselves to these.
Fernando rightly noted that “the fire announced by the prophets and brought by
Jesus, purifies and saves. It is the fire of his word, his message of salvation
….” Fernando Armellini, p. 199.
He further stressed, “the message of Jesus is a fire that
will cause problems; it will shake up the lives of many people. The purveyors
of injustice will be disturbed by the gospel” He warns, “Woe to us if it
wasn’t” Fernando Armellini, pp. 199-200.
His coming would inevitably mean
division; in point of fact it did. That was one of the greatest reasons why the
Romans hated Christianity – it tore families in two. Over and over again a man
had to decide whether he loved better his kith and kin or Christ. The essence
of Christianity is that loyalty to Christ has to take precedence over the
dearest loyalties of this earth. A man must be prepared to count all things but
loss for the excellence of Jesus Christ (William Barclay, p. 170).
Children of God must, “always seek unity, with its starting
point the word of God, truth” (Fernando Armellini, p. 200). The gospel of
Christ is a message of peace but this must be true peace based on justice and
truth. God requires His children to do justice, and to love kindness, and to
walk humbly with your Him, cf. Mic 6:8.
Bible Reading: Is 9:1-7. 11:1-9; 1Cor 1:10-17. 12:12-31; Phil
3:2-11.
Thought for today: Christ is our peace (cf. Eph 2:14).
Let us pray: Lord,
give us the grace to understand your message and to stand by you always even
when alone –
Amen.
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