Up until that point in the Gospel, the Lord has been the one preaching; he has been the one healing the sick and casting out demons. And now the authority and power that he has wielded, the work of the Father that he is doing, is now to be shared with ordinary fisherman.
Before the 12 depart to fulfill their mission, the Lord began to give what is called his missionary sermon—a teaching to his new missionaries, those being sent out. And this sermon is full of warnings.
There are some towns that are going to welcome you, some towns are going to reject you. I’m sending you out as sheep amidst the wolves—a cheery thought. Everyone is going to hate you because of my Gospel. You are going to be persecuted, and from time to time, you’ll even need to flee from your persecutors. Where do I sign up?
Today’s Gospel passage concludes his sermon, but it includes what may be the starkest of warnings. His Gospel will even cause division in those closest of human relationships—family. This is a difficult teaching for many people. Family is so very dear to us. It’s a source of stability, support, and compassion.
And yet, the Lord is clear today, that his Gospel might upset that for some families. When some family members accept the Gospel, and so do not, this will cause division. And this, the Lord acknowledges, is a heavy cross, a heavy price to pay. But family cannot give eternal life. Only he can. Which makes Him and His Gospel the highest priority.
Catechism # 2232 explains this teaching. It says, “Family ties are important but not absolute. Parents and children must be convinced that the first vocation of the Christian is to follow Jesus.”
How blessed the family who supports each other in the Gospel. But not every family, especially these days, believes this. This is teaching is particularly challenging in an age where many family members are choosing lifestyles which are incompatible with the Gospel.
The Lord understands how difficult this teaching is. And promises blessing to those who adhere to it. Blessed is the one who sets good example for his family members, who witnesses to the priority of the Gospel, the priority of eternal life.
This Gospel certainly elicits a choice, doesn’t it? To have conviction, to have principles, to love Christ above all else, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
- - - - - - -
That our bishops and clergy may be zealous and clear in preaching and teaching the truth of the Gospel and for the continued recovery of Holy Father Pope Francis following his recent surgery, may the Lord’s comfort, healing, and peace sustain him.
That our young people on summer vacation may be kept safe from the poisonous errors of our culture, and that their families may be places where the faith is practiced and cherished.
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased priests and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.
Grant, we pray, O Lord, that your people may turn to you with all their heart, so that whatever they dare to ask in fitting prayer they may receive by your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.
No comments:
Post a Comment