"Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division." The great temptation today will be to minimize these words. Don't. Instead, embrace them in all their uncomfortable glory. God does not send prophets to pat us on the back and affirm our life choices. We have plenty of self-appointed guru-cheerleaders for that. No, a prophet's job is to bring us Truth. And rare is the person who welcomes that little gift, for Truth always takes us to places we'd really prefer to avoid: accept your penance, sacrifice for your siblings, love those you despise. The prophet knows that some will refuse to make the journey. They know they are bringing chaos into our family. But they are servants of Love. And love can never thrive in a kingdom of ignorance, even if it is a peaceful one. So let us be grateful for our demoralizers and dividers. They serve us well.