Division

Homily for Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Yesterday’s Gospel text ended with Jesus’ declaration that “much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more. In other words, discipleship will be demanding, and will require vigilance, fidelity, and fortitude if it is to be lived well with intention and commitment. Today, Jesus adds to that rather sobering point by telling the disciples that there will be a price to be paid for faithful discipleship – a price that can include the breakup of familial relationships.

The proclamation of the kingdom is not an easy truth for many to accept. That was the situation in Jesus’ time, and it remains so today. Jesus is declaring that inherent in his mission is a prophetic challenge that will divide human relationships – including family relationships. When structures of power and privilege are threatened, and when pride and other sins blind us to the truth, our response and reactions will differ. Some will accept and follow; some will reject the message. In all cases, the message causes a divide between those who repent and believe, and those who do not. The words spoken by Simeon in the temple at the beginning of St. Luke’s Gospel that Jesus is the one who is set for the fall and rise of many in Israel are given explicit fulfillment.

Of course, we need to understand that the division of which Jesus speaks has its origins in the many and diverse responses to his invitation to share in the kingdom of God. Jesus has come to set before humanity that invitation, and everyone who hears it is free to receive or reject what St. Paul calls “the gift of God… eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Those who seek to accept this invitation will find the necessary righteousness and true spiritual freedom.