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REFLECTION

Not peace but division is the theme for our reflection. Peace is a state or period where there is no war or disturbance. On the other hand, division is when there is disagreement or tension between two or more people or groups. Jesus’ coming into our lives will lead to two unavoidable consequences. There will be peace among the fellowship of believers but division among believers and their family members who will not accept the Lordship of Jesus over their lives.

Beloved in the Lord, because of our faith in Jesus, there will be division even in our families. There will be hostility against the faithful followers or disciples of Jesus Christ. Indeed, we find ourselves in a generation where immorality, corruption, materialism and unbelief have truly brought division into some families. Believers must stand firm and not allow themselves to be lured or influenced by family and friends to deny their faith and follow the world. Our baptism through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has set us apart from the world. It is for this reason Jesus said that “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19) Jesus again confirmed the fact that the world will be hostile towards us when He said “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three.” (Luke 9:49-53). You must know the times and be prepared to endure attacks from even your family members on account of your faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in Christ Jesus shall enable us to receive the grace and blessings of God even as we endure the cost of  following or remaining His faithful disciples. Remember, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26-27) In other words, our salvation in Jesus will become the source of division between us and those who are in the world even though some of them may be our biological parents, siblings or friends. When it comes to our salvation in Christ, blood is not thicker than water, rather the Baptismal water is thicker than blood for which we must bear the cost of discipleship or carry our cross and follow Him. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, strengthen us to be focused in our discipleship and relationship with Jesus and may our love for family and friends never lead us astray from the path of salvation. Enable us to remain faithful to our Lord and Master Jesus Christ at all times. Amen.