Controversy
Jesus said to his disciples:
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division..” Luke 12:49-53
20th SUNDAY Ordinary Time Cycle C
Recently the Supreme Court of America reversed the decision it had previously made on abortion. What it has legalized in 1973 it has made unlawful in 2022.
Abortion has always been controversial – something people have opposing views on to the point of causing division, much like divorce and death penalty.
Not only issues but even persons can also be controversial. In the first reading Jeremiah is controversial. For although he alone advised surrender to the Babylonians as the way for Judah’s survival, the rest of the false prophets proposed fighting the invaders. He was thus thrown into a dry cistern to die. Fortunately, there was a foreigner the Cushite who counseled the king to spare him.
In the gospel Jesus Himself also claimed to be controversial when He said: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”
We recently had our national elections which caused rift not only in the entire nation but even in almost every family. And if politics cause discord so also religion.
This what Jesus meant in His words of warning today. Many people will accept Him as there would be others who would reject Him. It is because His teachings are difficult to accept particularly on love and life.
But as the Hebrews were told, we need only to persevere in running towards Christ keeping our eyes fixed on Him enduring all opposition from sinners.
Disclaimer: This section of the website is a personal creative writing of the author and does not necessarily reflect the official views, opinion, or policies of the Salesians of Don Bosco – Philippines South Province. For concerns on the content, style, and grammar of this piece, please contact us.
