Not peace but the sword

Jesus likens the Apostles to the prophets who were mandated to speak God’s word, and not turn beholden to anybody.

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Jesus is a “sign that will be contradicted,” as prophesied by Simeon (Lk 2:34). He can be a cause of conflict and division even among members of the family. He brings not peace but the sword that cuts through conscience and affections. In the light of the divergence of outlook within the early Christian community, Matthew challenges his listeners to make a fundamental choice—to be part of Jesus’ followers or to be outside. To join in the “household” of Jesus is to listen to his words and put them into action. Jesus declares, “Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother” (Mt 12:50).

St. John Paul II writes in his en-

REFLECTIONS TODAY

cyclical Veritatis Splendor: “Jesus’ call to ‘come, follow me’ marks the greatest possible exaltation of human freedom... which can be described as involving a fundamental option... It is a question of the decision of faith, of the obedience of faith (cf. Rom 16:26) ‘by which man makes a total and free self-commitment to God, offering “the full submission of intellect and will to God as he reveals” ’” (VS, 66).