Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Hiding from Truth's fire
Leads to tepid harmony
Not the finish line.

Jer 38:4-6, 8-10 / Heb 12:1-4 / Lk 12:49-53

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Truth is divisive. Partly because we are so bad at recognizing it, but mostly because we are so good at rejecting it. Either way, truth brings conflict. The problem, however, is that too many of us are more terrified of conflict than of dishonoring truth. Yes, listening is as noble as evangelizing. And humility is as necessary as conviction. But enabling ignorance does not promote peace, no matter how blissful it might feel. Nor are capitulation and appeasement manifestations of loving our enemies. The prophets of tolerance and diversity have good intentions, but minimizing truth will not make hatred and tribalism go away. No, the only way out of the swamp is the kingdom, in all its uncomfortable glory.

Jeremiah 38:4-10; Psalms 40:2-18; Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jeremiah 38:4-10; Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53

"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.