Yield to Love – Reflection on Luke 12:49-53
Christ’s fire within instills a unique reality that others may not understand or appreciate. How we act and verbalize our relationship with Jesus can mean even those close to us can disagree, resent, or even become antagonistic. When we accept the reality of Jesus, we can allow our internal anguish to yield to love. Despite all the negative consequences of what divides us from those we want in our lives, our task is to continue to reflect Christ’s love, kindness, and peace for others. As hard as it is to believe, we still must try to include those on the other side of the divide, wrapping them in mercy and compassion. It is an enormous responsibility to be calm in the storm with those who are very opposed. From personal experience I have found when you encounter hate in conversation you should be prepared to politely walk away without being angry. Later when you are ready, in quieted silence you can pray with Jesus to touch and soften their heart.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot (full resolution)
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Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 12:49-53 – Scripture*
Jesus the Cause of Division
49 “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 52 From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53 they will be divided:
father against son
and son against father,
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 12:49-53 Reflection – Yield to Love.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
*This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 12 passage.
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