Luke 12:49-53
The gospel of Jesus Christ soothes, heals, cleanses. The gospel also challenges, confronts and creates a crisis of decision. The latter experience is the focus of today’s readings. In order to embrace the peace and joy of salvation we must undergo a passage of rejection and suffering, letting go of old ways. The way of Christ through death to resurrection is the path of the Christian disciple.
In today’s second reading, St Paul encourages us not to grow weary or lose heart, but to persevere in following Jesus. Our willingness to give of ourselves, even in the face of conflict and division, is one way to measure our discipleship.
– Fr John Conway