THE ELASTICITY IN OUR FAITH

Prof./Evangel. Michael P. Howard

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division." (Lk. 12:49-53)

There are times when the gospels test the spiritual elasticity in our faith. This is evident in our gospel today as the disciples' faith is expanded to grasp the meaning of Jesus' words about peace. Jesus speaks to His disciples, asking, "Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?" These words likely dumbfounded the disciples, especially since Jesus, in His inaugural sermon, announced that He was bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming liberty to the captives, offering healing for the blind, and setting the oppressed free (Lk. 4:18-19). When we contrast these messages with our reading today, it's clear that they challenge us to extend our understanding of faith. Jesus, did you come to offer peace? Jesus, will you deliver glad tidings and a message of liberation for all of us?

Further study of Jesus in this gospel creates more inner tension as we seek to understand the meaning of the text: "No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on, a household of five will be divided—three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son..." While these words may be disheartening, we must recognize that many have experienced division within their households. 

In addition, division is increasingly evident in our society, as news media constantly report on conflicts: Catholics against Catholics, Republicans against Democrats, and so on. Sensationalism grabs the audience. We have become numb to the importance of promoting unity in both our families and the broader world. Are our actions contributing to Jesus' prayer, "I pray not only for them but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one..." (Jn. 17:20-21).

Ask yourself these questions: Do I confine Jesus to a box as a peaceful Savior, naively believing that everything is okay? Is my understanding of Jesus one where he loves everyone while ignoring issues of lawlessness? "Has God forgotten how to show mercy, withholding his compassion in anger" (Psalm 77:9) because we failed to unite with our brothers and sisters? What truly holds the tension in our faith is seen and actualized when we can love each other, regardless of church tradition or political party affiliation.

Many will say that we can show love towards others because of their faith. However, because of our biases surrounding church tradition, political beliefs, sexual orientation, interracial marriages, and cultural practices, we still find ourselves living under a spirit of division, struggling to understand why we must love some that do not love us back. For this reason, St. Paul reminds us:

I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Eph.

4:1-6)

Even though Jesus clearly talks about division within our family and world, we do not have to accept the idea that separation within our families or society is inevitable. We must continue striving to preserve the Spirit's unity in our families and the world. Striving for peace is a choice we can make instead of living a life divided, not loving our neighbor or even the stranger.

When the elasticity in our faith is stretched, our spiritual gifts empower us to pursue unity actively.

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