Dear Friends:
Jesus throws us a real twist in the Gospel of Luke (12:49-53) today. Luke tells how Jesus talks about what will happen to the people who follow him. “A father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
Wow! Not what we are used to hearing from Jesus. Jesus, just like the prophets before him, is telling the truth. He does not mean that all of this will happen. What he means is, when people learn about Jesus’ message and decide to follow him, there will be divisions among them. The things Jesus talks about are a result of his ministry. They are a result of people who have changed their way of living to be more like Jesus.
I think we can all relate to the times when people made fun of us or wanted nothing to do with us because we are Catholic Christians. And I think we can all relate to the times when people shunned us because we took a Catholic Christian stance on some controversial topic. Perhaps even members of our own family have turned against us. Sadly, it really happens.
Times were difficult when Jesus was here; they will be difficult until the end of time. I think we all need to be as stouthearted as Jeremiah. We need to be as committed as Jesus was even in the times when everyone turns away from us because of our faith.
Jesus told us many times not to be afraid…. “I am with you.” It is during times of upheaval and mistrust that Jesus is with us more than ever. Do not be afraid to stand up and say “I am a Catholic Christian. I believe in the teachings of our Savior Jesus, and I will not accept anything less!” Won’t you join me?
Peace and All Good!
Deacon Jim
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