Today’s Gospel:  Luke 12: 49-53

REFLECTION
“For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother,” and we might add “a friend against a friend.” The incoming of the message of the Gospel leads to a complete transformation in the outlook of men. The former associates of a person who commits to follow Jesus will probably misunderstand his motives, and might even persecute him about his reformed lifestyle. In order to follow the Lord Jesus, the Christian may find it necessary to renounce his old delights, and forsake many of his former friends. The businessman may find it necessary to revise all his ideas of trading, and if this should lead to a serious reduction in the profits, his partners are very likely to become critical. A wife who has accepted Christ as her Savior may find it impossible to accompany her husband in the ways of sin, and her refusal to cooperate may lead to domestic unpleasantness. The sword of the Gospel may sever ties that might have been in existence for years. The early history of the Church provided ample evidence of the truth of Christ’s prediction.  It is true now as it was true then.

Today’s Reading:  Eph 3:14-21

PRAYER
Lord, if I lose friends and family as I commit my life to you, I offer them to you and pray that they may see you and love you as I do.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.