Reflection
In today’s readings, authenticity in how we live our faith is the overarching theme—right action matters, not empty words. The prophet Isaiah gets right to the point, mentioning the infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah as the Lord declares, “What care I for the number of your sacrifices” (1:11). Strong words that outline exactly what God desires still speak to us today. “Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow” (16b). The Psalm continues the theme, “Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth?” God sees right through lip service.
The Gospel, taken from Jesus’ missionary teaching to the disciples, might seem a bit confusing at first glance, when only a few chapters earlier, Jesus stated: “Blessed are the peacemakers” (5:9a). Now, he seems to have changed his mind, warning his disciples not to think he has “come to bring peace upon the earth…not peace but the sword” (v. 34). However, we are not meant to take this statement literally.
The letter to the Hebrews may offer insight into the kind of “sword” that Jesus speaks about, as it states: “Indeed the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart “(4:12).
Authentic living means first allowing the Word of God to penetrate our hearts and minds! Outside of this, there is no ability to discern, and certainly no ability to “redress the wronged,” or to “hear the orphan’s plea.”
The message Jesus brings is meant not so much to create discord in our close relationships but to inspire us to know who we are and what we believe. The proper posture for any disciple. Sometimes, that can be unsettling. Should we speak out or stay quiet? I am reminded of a well-known phrase: “Jesus came to comfort the disturbed and to disturb the comfortable.”
The first community to hear this message was primarily Jewish; they had to grapple with the changing landscape of belief in Jesus Christ and its effects on their lives. The challenge of accepting Gentile believers as equal members in this new community, and the potential loss of family relationships because of this belief. Yet, choosing this path offers an abundant life. I am reminded of Peter’s response to Jesus when asked if he wished to walk away, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6:68). When we allow the Word to penetrate our hearts and minds, we are caught up in fidelity to this call. Like Peter, where else can we go? We pick up our cross and follow Him in faith, hope, and trust that all will be well. The true mark of a disciple is unchangeable.
So, whether we receive a prophet or a righteous man, or even give a cup of cold water to a disciple, we recognize in each person Jesus and the one who sent him.
Lord, let me be worthy to be your disciple, to pick up my cross and follow you daily!
May your grace always be enough for me. Amen.
