Dear Parishioners,
Like many, I have been keeping up with all things politics. I watched both the Republican and Democratic Conventions, curious as to what each had to say. How sincere they sound when they are trying to win your vote. They tell us everything they think we want to hear. Some people are so passionate about their candidate, there are actually fights and riots over who is the better choice.
So, when I read the Gospel this week, it made me think of this year’s election. How some are embracing the message while others are rejecting it.
Jesus came to proclaim His message. A message that came with great division and controversy. He knew the journey would not be easy and He warned his disciples. After all, how could anyone remain neutral to the one who has come to do God's will?
It is shocking for us to hear Jesus declare that he has not come to bring peace but rather division. Doesn't that contradict everything we learned in the Old Testament? Jesus was the man of love who came to bring peace on earth. So why does He want to divide rather than unite? He doesn't. He wants to bring truth and loyalty and now He wishes the truth to be received and fully lived like a blazing fire that spreads and covers the entire world. Peace is possible only if we embrace him in faith; only if we embrace truth in Himself in faith.