What if following Jesus meant division, not comfort?
Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:34—11:1
Jesus said to his Apostles:
"Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth.
I have come to bring not peace but the sword.
For I have come to set
a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
and one's enemies will be those of his household.
"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me,
and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
and whoever does not take up his cross
and follow after me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life will lose it,
and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
"Whoever receives you receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet
will receive a prophet's reward,
and whoever receives a righteous man
because he is righteous
will receive a righteous man's reward.
And whoever gives only a cup of cold water
to one of these little ones to drink
because he is a disciple–
amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward."
When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples,
he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns.
Gospel Reflection:
In today’s Gospel, Jesus shatters our expectations: “I have not come to bring peace, but the sword.” At first glance, it feels contradictory — isn’t He the Prince of Peace? But Christ speaks here of a different kind of peace. Not the peace of avoiding conflict or keeping everyone happy, but the deeper, harder peace that comes from fidelity to truth.
Choosing to follow Christ may place us at odds with even those closest to us. It may cost us popularity, harmony, or approval. But discipleship is not about comfort — it’s about commitment. Jesus is honest about the cost because He wants us to follow Him with eyes wide open.
GO FORTH CALL-TO-ACTION:
Where in your life is Christ asking for courageous clarity? Maybe it’s a relationship where you’ve avoided speaking truth in love. Maybe it’s a habit you know needs to be surrendered. Discipleship divides — not to destroy, but to purify. Ask the Lord today for the grace to put Him first, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
The sword of Christ does not wound to harm — it cuts to heal.
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