In today’s Gospel, the message of our Lord is very different from what we are used to hearing, it does not sound like one of peace and love, but rather of conflict and division. Yet, if we really contemplate it, the ultimate message is one of love, it is a call from our Lord to set the earth ablaze with love for Him, and to guard against the dangers of a lukewarm faith. It is a call to show our faith plainly to others, that they too may come to share in it.
When Jesus spoke about his coming to bring division rather than peace, He was foretelling the conflict that would arise against those who believe in Him and profess His name because of the fire he kindled within them. He knew the cost would be great, and that many would suffer for their faith in Him. In Mathew 10:22 He tells us that all who profess belief in Him will be hated for his name’s sake. Yet this cost is exactly what he seeks from each of us. He certainly does not wish us harm, but He does know the risks that we will need to endure in order to remain loyal to Him in our professed belief.
The prophets knew well the cost that came with fulfilling their call from the Lord to shepherd His people and to give them His message. In our first reading the prophet Jeremiah is vilified by those in power because his message does not agree with what they think is important. Their concerns are purely worldly, where his is focused on the words of God, and what is important to their souls for salvations sake. Not much has changed since then, those in power sought to kill Jesus on many occasions, and all but one of His disciples were killed by the people for their proclamation of their faith, and the message of the Gospel.
Even to this present day there is a high cost that often comes with acknowledging one’s beliefs. The world still does not want to hear the words of truth that often conflict with the agendas of the day. We see this in politics, in employers, in the media, and in social circles that we may be a part of. The challenge to each of us is whether we will endure the cost that comes with openly acknowledging what we know to be right, with speaking the truth and acknowledging its source – Jesus Christ. This can be a difficult task, as the hostility that can be encountered can be great, because the same age-old problem exists – once the truth is spoken, there is no going back, and there is accountability that can be very uncomfortable to those who would rather do things their own way.
Yet there is no shortage of those who are willing to answer this call. Each year, people risk the loss of family, friends, jobs, and all the things of the world that made them feel safe, when they profess their belief in Jesus Christ and the message of the Gospel. Their love for Christ is more powerful than the risks they take of being persecuted for their belief. It happens abroad in areas of the world that are hostile to Christs message to the point of violence and death, and it happens here at home. Each year in parishes across the country people risk losing their friends, family, and social status in order to take classes to become Catholics. This happens right here in our parish, and their example is inspiring to all who witness it, because we get to see a fulfillment of a fire and pure desire to know Jesus Christ and be part of His body in the Church. Each of us is called in different ways, the question is, will we heed Christs call?
The Deacons Bench 