Lectionary: 465
Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?
Anyone familiar with the gospels should not be entirely surprised by controversy. True, they might be naturally conflict-averse and obsessively afraid of disagreement, but they can hardly avoid the discomfort and distress the Spirit of the Lord creates. Especially where peace and security mask violations of human dignity, you can expect an unpleasant divine intervention.
The Pharisaic party opposed Jesus on the grounds of peace and security. They had little political or financial power but their zealous piety won admiration and respect from some powerful sectors. That gave them religious authority. With scrupulous shaming and public scolding, and the occasional stoning of miscreants, they could subdue rebellion among the restless poor. That seemed to serve everyone's best interest.
However, they could do little about a man like Jesus who cleverly opposed their pious arguments and ignored their shaming tactics. His popularity enraged them. People flocking to him displayed the same reckless contempt for the Pharisees' rules.
Nor would Jesus seek a middle ground to appease his opponents and win them to his point of view. "You're with me or against me!' he said. "Take your choice."
As Christians and Catholics make our political, economic, social and religious choices in a polarized world, we're often going to come down in different camps. Pro-life people might be staunchly Republican, even pro-Trump. Pro-labor people might vote Democratic. Some will believe economic development is more important while other struggle to protect the environment. Families will be divided father against son and mother against daughter.
My Dad had an expression for it as his children argued at the table, "Stick to your guns!" (Although the former US Marine and Pacific War Veteran refused to own one.)
In every case, we must choose the Lord in our daily prayers. We must ask God to send the Spirit of Jesus to guide us in all our discussions, deliberations, and decisions. Nothing good can come from those who dismiss the Holy Spirit. "Whoever is not with me is against me." he said.
Nor can anyone argue, "God told me to do this!" for that violates the commands, "You shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain!" and "Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one."
In the meanwhile, creation waits with eager longing to see how the Lord will work this out.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.