Daily Gospel Reflection for October 26, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 12:49-53

"Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division." Luke 12:51

Have you ever had someone twist your words and use them against you? I think this might be how Jesus feels every time a Christian uses the Scripture passage above as a justification to sin against charity. If we are to follow Christ, we must keep the whole truth in mind.

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus comes to gather us, to incorporate us into His very self. There is a separation that happens when one who used to follow the world turns around to follow Jesus. The hope is that others might follow later through the witness of our love.

“This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

One problem for us Christians is that we are a motley crew, a band of misfits, still carrying around an incurable wound. We look around at our fellow travelers on the road and see not a brother, not a sister, but an enemy. Jesus knows this, so He says:

"Love your enemies. . . . For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?" Matthew 5:44,46

The devil plants seeds of hate and division. He wants to pin us against each other and isolate us, so he can devour us. Let us persevere in coming to the table of the Eucharist and remember who we are,

". . . that they may be brought to perfection as one . . ." John 17:23

Ponder:

Think of a difficult relationship in your life. Ask the Lord for the grace to see your part.

Pray:

Lord, I’m sorry for my sins with all my heart. Fill me with Your very self. Give me the courage to forgive those who have hurt me; give me the trust to say, Lord, please forgive me.