HOPE IN THE LORD AMIDST DIVISIONS - 10/20/22 (Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time)

Luke 12:51-53

Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102022.cfm

Blessed Thursday! We believe that Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. He brings peace to the hearts of people who trust in Him. At the same time, our Lord told the people that He did not come to bring peace to the world? What does that mean? What our Lord tells us is that He does not bring "fake peace" or the worldly understanding of peace. This false peace is unity among people even though what they believe is false or wrong and contrary to God's will. Jesus Christ does not intend that there will be divisions among His own people. However, this is the result when the people reject the infinite goodness and mercy of God because they may desire to center their lives on them and not on God's commandments. We recognize that there are times when we see how our family members and friends oppose us and the teachings of the Catholic faith. What should we do during these situations? 

It is important for us to pray for them and for their understanding. Let's remember that despite the divisions in our own experiences, God can bring a greater good out of it in such a way that if we offer our sufferings and prayers and if we persevere in carrying this cross, we can help the people who are hurting us because we have the hope that God will reveal to them the truth in the right time. At the same time, we need to pray for ourselves as well. It's painful if those whom we love will say hurtful words at us, say blasphemies to God, and many more. God knows that we cannot remain strong if we only depend on ourselves. This is why God desires for us to tell Him our pain and ask Him for strength, so we can do His will always. God is the source of the family life on earth, and when the family is being destroyed, the image of God will be distorted to some people. Let's trust in Jesus, and we can have an assurance, even if it's difficult to see right now, that those hope in Him will be blessed by God for eternity. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/