Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin
Gospel of Matthew 10:34-11:1
Jesus said to his
Apostles:“Do not think that
I have come to bring peace upon the earth.
I have come to
bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to
set a man against his
father, a daughter against
her mother, and a
daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s enemies
will be those of his household...."
No peace on earth In today's gospel reading, Jesus makes it clear that his ministry will not bring about peace on earth but discord and friction. Jesus' word will be accepted or rejected. Jesus will be loved or hated. In fact, people will continue to fight among themselves all in the name of God. Who is God? What is God? How should we worship God, if at all? Do we love God above all other earthly creatures? Do we desire to help others and receive God's mercy?
The Dysfunctional Family We may think the real enemy is a co-worker who gossips or the neighbor who double parks in the alley. Maybe the "enemy" is the drug dealer who supplies dope to the high school or the corrupt city council official who accepts bribes. Sadly, the biggest enemy comes directly from our own households.
The dysfunctional family has become well known in American culture. Reality television shows, movies and You Tube videos love to showcase family members yelling and screaming at one another. The more tension and negativity the higher the ratings. Americans enjoy a good "fight" especially if it involves the teenager against the father or two siblings. The iconic dysfunctional family "The Simpsons" appear rather tame compared to all of modern-day reality show fights.
What does this say about peace in the family? It clearly shows that families struggle to get along. Jesus predicted this from day one. The mighty sword will keep families on the battleground, unable to see past disagreements and forever experiencing tension.
Family Life with Christ Families who regularly attend church services and pray together tend to be more unified. Yes, disagreements still arise; however, they are more efficient at handling them.
At times, tension develops in a family when a young adult decides to leave the faith. He or she may convert to atheism or become "spiritual but not religious." This can be devastating.
Christ will lead a fallen away Catholic back to the Church some way and some how. It may take years but it will happen. Many times people have returned to the Church on their deathbeds. They seek reconciliation and final rites. Looming death made them realize that made a mistake turning away from their family or God. Fortunately, God is so ready to forgive.
As a family: pray together; attend mass together; communicate with one another; seek counseling if needed. Do whatever it takes to remain in peace and harmony. Family is the backbone of our society. Let's do all it takes to keep the family together - healthy and strong.
-J.
The Dysfunctional Family We may think the real enemy is a co-worker who gossips or the neighbor who double parks in the alley. Maybe the "enemy" is the drug dealer who supplies dope to the high school or the corrupt city council official who accepts bribes. Sadly, the biggest enemy comes directly from our own households.
The dysfunctional family has become well known in American culture. Reality television shows, movies and You Tube videos love to showcase family members yelling and screaming at one another. The more tension and negativity the higher the ratings. Americans enjoy a good "fight" especially if it involves the teenager against the father or two siblings. The iconic dysfunctional family "The Simpsons" appear rather tame compared to all of modern-day reality show fights.
What does this say about peace in the family? It clearly shows that families struggle to get along. Jesus predicted this from day one. The mighty sword will keep families on the battleground, unable to see past disagreements and forever experiencing tension.
Family Life with Christ Families who regularly attend church services and pray together tend to be more unified. Yes, disagreements still arise; however, they are more efficient at handling them.
At times, tension develops in a family when a young adult decides to leave the faith. He or she may convert to atheism or become "spiritual but not religious." This can be devastating.
Christ will lead a fallen away Catholic back to the Church some way and some how. It may take years but it will happen. Many times people have returned to the Church on their deathbeds. They seek reconciliation and final rites. Looming death made them realize that made a mistake turning away from their family or God. Fortunately, God is so ready to forgive.
As a family: pray together; attend mass together; communicate with one another; seek counseling if needed. Do whatever it takes to remain in peace and harmony. Family is the backbone of our society. Let's do all it takes to keep the family together - healthy and strong.
-J.
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