Lk 12:49-53
“I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!
From now on five in one household 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 mother-in-law.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Radical Love
Jesus gives us fair warning that to follow his ministry of radical love means that we will have to part ways with some, even those we cherish like family. This radical love, this fire, is counterintuitive to every thing society tells us is of value. Our world tells us every day to seek after money, prestige, and political power by any means at our disposal, even if it opposes the teachings of Jesus. Are we willing to go against everything our world culture says should be our first priority? If so, we risk isolation, being misunderstood, and certainly rejected. Are we willing to do this for Jesus, for the Kingdom, for an eternity in the presence of God? Are we willing to drink this cup that Jesus drank, that he calls us to drink? As St. Ignatius said, “For those who love, nothing is too difficult, especially when it is done for the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
—Beth Franzosa is a Religious Studies teacher and the Director of Adult Formation at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis.
Prayer
Loving God, look down on your people and imbue us with the courage to do your will of loving you and one another regardless of the cost. Give us eyes to see what is really important, namely, to follow your teaching. May we feel your loving presence with every beat of our hearts as we journey through this life towards an eternal rest with you. In your sacred and holy name, we pray. Amen
—Beth Franzosa