15TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

I have come to bring not peace but the sword. 

At first glance, this passage might stop us in our tracks. Wasn’t Jesus’ whole mission about peace and reconciliation? So why the sword? How can Jesus be the Prince of Peace but also be preparing us for conflict?

Jesus knew that many people would not accept him or his message. He also knew that this could lead to division, sometimes even within a family. As he warned, “I have come to set ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother’” (Matthew 10:35).

Any kind of division like this is tragic, and yet God has given every human being the freedom to accept or reject him. He loves each one of us beyond our comprehension, but he won’t force his love on anyone. For a variety of reasons, many people are unable to accept God’s personal love for them or the blessings that come with being one with Jesus. We all want every person to come to know the Lord. But we must also expect at times to experience pushback, conflict, or even division when we try to share our faith.

In such situations, it’s important not to let our witness turn into an attempt just to “convince” someone of the truth. Too often, conversations like these create deeper divisions rather than the unity and healing that Jesus longs for. Instead, we can focus on preaching the gospel, not just with our words, but with the love and compassion of the One who is himself the Truth (John 14:6)!

Jesus knew that his coming would cause division and conflict. At the same time, he is the only One who can bring true peace and unity. So let’s strive to be Christ to those who have not yet accepted the gospel but who still long for the love that only he can give. Let’s take the advice of St. Paul and “put on . . . heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). May the witness of Jesus’ life in us be the catalyst that sparks faith in our loved ones—and in everyone we will encounter today!

“Jesus, Prince of Peace, help me reflect your love and compassion to everyone who is far from you.”

Exodus 1:8-14, 22
Psalm 124:1-8
Matthew 10:34-11:1