Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. — Psalm 40:5 

Mass readings: Romans 6:19-23 / Luke 12:49-53 

Religion Wars 

The words of Jesus in today’s Gospel prompt the question, “He didn’t really mean that, did he?” The Prince of Peace, Who prayed that His followers might be one, tells His disciples that He has not come to establish peace and unity on earth. He has come to cause division. 

But Jesus said only that He would be the reason for division, not that He wanted it to happen. His prediction has tragically come true. Persecution has broken out and even wars have been fought: Christian vs. non-Christian, Catholic vs. Protestant. Dissension and separation exist even among Catholics, with the rise of separatist factions that don’t accept Vatican II. Many Catholic families have been split by this. Our job is to be staunch yet inviting, not judgmental and antagonistic. 

Prayer: Jesus, help me heal divisions.