Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Lk 12:49-53
October 20, 2022 | Thursday

Today’s Gospel

I have come to bring fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what anguish I feel until it is finished! Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on, in one house five will be 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 mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Today’s Reflection:

Christians are faced with two extreme choices in their daily life: that of following the pleasures and allurements of the present life, and that of following Jesus. The way of Jesus contradicts the way of the world. While the world offers us security, pleasure, and satisfaction, following Jesus entails suffering and pain. There is no way to avoid them. Suffering and pain will be experienced by his followers even within their own family because discipleship demands faithful allegiance only to Jesus and not to any other authorities. Yes, the disciples will suffer in following the Lord, but it will only be a temporary experience for, in the end, endless and limitless joys of heaven await them. On the contrary, those who have chosen the joys of earthly life will suffer the turmoil of God’s judgment in the days to come.  /Vulnerasti, 2022