Jesus’ words about division in today’s Gospel almost seem out of place. Jesus is the same person who has told us to “love our enemies” and “pray for those that persecute you.” Jesus also said elsewhere in the Gospels that “a house divided cannot stand:” and yet, in this instant, it almost seems like those words are being undone. How do we reconcile what Jesus says here with the rest of the Gospel?
To begin to understand these words, we must first understand that Jesus is not instructing his disciples to sow division in the world. Rather, he is speaking about what will happen because of the fire that Jesus came to bring to earth. This fire is the fire of the Gospel, which is meant to burn in the hearts of all believers. We know from the experience of our own lives, however, that the fire of the Gospel doesn’t ignite the hearts of every single person on earth. Some choose to willingly reject the Gospel, because they do not believe in Jesus, the Son of God. Others want to believe, but they have been wounded by people of faith, and those wounds make it difficult to accept the Gospel into their lives. Still others may have different reasons that they are not fully “on fire” with the Gospel of Christ.
All of these different circumstances can cause the division that Jesus speaks of in the Gospels. However, just because a division is present does not mean that we are called to widen the gap further. The rest of the Gospel still applies: we are still called to love others, to be present to them, and to do our best to allow them to experience the love of God through us. Doing so helps us to remain faithful to the Gospel, and to faithfully live out God’s will for our lives.
I want to wish our parishioners at Our Lady of the Assumption Church a blessed and happy Feast Day, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption this weekend. May Mary continue to intercede for us, and continue to lead us to her son, so that we may follow him faithfully. I also want to encourage you all to visit the St. Angela Merici Festival this weekend. This festival is an important celebration in the Parish community, and an Important recognition of the Italian cultural heritage that shaped the Erie Street neighbourhood. If you are able to attend, we would love to see you there!
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Steven Huber, CSB