GOSPEL READING:
Matthew 10:34 - 11:134 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man's foes will be those of his own household. 37 He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it. 40 "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. 41 He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward, and he who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward." (Matthew 11) 1 And when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.
Meditation: Why does Jesus describe his mission and the
coming of God's kingdom in terms of conflict, division, and war?
Jesus told his disciples that he did not "come to bring peace,
but a sword" (Matthew 10:34). The "sword" which Jesus speaks
of here is not a physical weapon that cuts people down, but a
spiritual weapon that cuts through the inner core of our being to
expose the corruption of sinful thoughts and intentions as well as
the lies and deception of Satan and his kingdom of darkness.
Sword of the Spirit
Scripture describes God's word as a sharp two-edged sword that
"pierces to the division of soul and spirit... discerning the
thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12, Revelations
19:15). Scripture also describes "God's word" as the "sword of the
Spirit" which has power to destroy every spiritual stronghold that
keep people in bondage to sin, deception, and Satan (Ephesians
6:17). Jesus came to rescue us from slavery to sin and to set us
free to live as citizens of God's kingdom of righteousness, peace,
and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).
Spiritual warfare
Jesus' mission was an act of war against the spiritual forces who
oppose the kingdom of God and his rule over the earth. That is why Jesus identified Satan as the ruler of
this world whom he will cast out (John 12:31). The
battle Jesus had in mind was not an earthly conflict between
individuals and nations, but a spiritual warfare between the
forces of Satan and the armies of heaven. Jesus came to wage war against the spiritual
powers of this present world that turn the minds and hearts of
people away from God and his kingdom of joy, peace, and goodness.
Kingdom of light versus kingdom of darkness
The Scriptures make clear that there are ultimately only two
kingdoms or powers and that they stand in opposition to one
another - God's kingdom of light and Satan's kingdom of
darkness. John the Apostle contrasts these two opposing kingdoms
in the starkest of terms: We know that we are of God, and the
whole world is in the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19).
The Scriptures describe the "world" as that society of people who
are opposed to God and his kingdom of righteousness, truth, and
goodness. Jesus came to overthrow Satan's power and to set us free
from everything that would hold us back from knowing, loving, and
serving God who has loved each one of us with boundless mercy,
compassion, and goodness.
God must take first place in our lives
Jesus told his disciples that if they followed him it would be
costly because they must put God's kingdom first and obey his
word. Whenever a great call is given it inevitably causes division
between those who accept and reject it. When Jesus remarked that
division would cut very close to home his listeners likely
recalled the prophecy of Micah: a man's enemies are the men of
his own household (Micah 7:6). The love of God compels us to
choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship
or any other thing above God is a form of idolatry. Jesus
challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and
foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing
to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples
give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is
higher than that owed to spouse or kin. It is possible that family
and friends can become our enemies if the thought of them keeps us
from doing what we know God wants us to do.
The just reward
True love for God compels us to express charity towards our
neighbor who is created in the image and likeness of God. Jesus
declared that any kindness shown and any help given to the people
of Christ will not go unrewarded. Jesus never refused to give to
anyone in need who asked for his help. As his disciples we are
called to be kind and generous as he is. Jesus sets before his
disciples the one goal in life that is worth any sacrifice and
that goal is the will of God which leads to everlasting life,
peace, and joy with God. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you
to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians
5:14)?
Lord, no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has conceived the things you have prepared for those who love you. Set us ablaze with the fire of the Holy Spirit, that we may love you in and above all things and so receive the rewards you have promised us through Christ our Lord. (from A Christian's Prayer Book)
Psalm 124:1-8
1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, let Israel now say --
2 if it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us,
3 then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us;
4 then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us;
5 then over us would have gone the raging waters. 6 Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth!
7 We have escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped!
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Daily Quote from the Early Church Fathers: How peace requires a sword, by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)
"What sort of peace is it that Jesus asks them to pronounce upon
entering each house? And what kind of peace is it of which the
angels sing, 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace'? And
if Jesus came not to bring peace, why did all the prophets publish
peace as good news? Because this more than anything is peace: when
the disease is removed. This is peace: when the cancer is cut
away. Only with such radical surgery is it possible for heaven to
be reunited to earth. Only in this way does the physician preserve
the healthy tissue of the body. The incurable part must be
amputated. Only in this way does the military commander preserve
the peace: by cutting off those in rebellion. Thus it was also in
the case of the tower of Babel, that their evil peace was ended by
their good discord. Peace therefore was accomplished. (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 35.1)
