The Refusal of the Disciple

Listening to the Spirit

Lord, thank you for the gift of Your Word
so that all your people may know and love You more
and understand You better.

As I go about my day may I not forget
the scriptures you have opened up for me.
Help me to recognize how You want for me
to apply Your Word to my daily life.

Holy Spirit, guided by Your Word,
may You enlighten my mind
and enkindle in my heart
a greater love for You and for others
in my family and in the world.

Amen.

Listening to the Word

Luke 12, 49-53

“I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; for henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Reflection

This Gospel is not very easy to understand. Jesus' words are very strong. Why did he say: " Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! (Lk 12:51 NRS).” Is he no longer the King of peace? What is the meaning of bringing division to our family and society?

In his journey to Jerusalem and his death on the cross, Jesus wanted to give the message about the seriousness of discipleship. It is not easy to follow Jesus, and then many people do not understand his message. Or maybe, they understand correctly, but they don't want or can't accept this message in their heart. According to them, the Gospel is too demanding. It is better if they choose another teacher and easier teaching.

People do not accept the Gospel, and as a consequence of that, they also reject Jesus along with the disciples. The mystery of the refusal is in the destiny of any missionary. The Gospel of John said, " He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. ” (Jn 1:10 NRS). Jesus wants to bring peace and unity to the world, but people choose division and refuse his peace.

In truth, the Gospel is not easy. Its message is not only consoling and amusing. For example, it is not easy to love our neighbor, especially if he is not kind and lovable. The Gospel calls us for forgiveness, but everybody knows how forgiveness can be difficult. The world said: blessed are the rich, whereas Jesus said blessed are the poor, the exploited, the afflicted. The world said that we need to prioritize our well-being; instead, the Gospel said, "He who values his life will lose it, but he who does not value his life in this world will have eternal life." (John 12:24). In short, the Gospel is not a neutral message which leaves us unchanged. Rather, it calls us to conversion.

Many people prefer the world to the Gospel. But, we all know that the world cannot keep its promises. We know that the world cannot provide happiness and salvation. Only Jesus and his gospel have the ability to give us life. Because of this, we have to choose Jesus alone, even if discipleship can become very demanding. Accepting and living the Gospel is the only way we have to reach our fulfillment and real happiness.