Rock the Boat

   

  Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

07 August 2022 

 

First Reading: Jer 38:4-6, 8-10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 40:2, 3, 4, 18

Second Reading: Heb 12:1-4

Gospel: Lk 12:49-53

 

Reflection

By: Grace Madrinan

 

"Do you think that I have come to establish peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division." - Luke 12:51

When I read the Gospel today, the best example I can think of is abortion among others. The US Supreme Court eliminated the constitutional right to an abortion last month and it blew up the news with protests everywhere. For a predominantly Christian country like the Phippines, it would not be a big deal, since most Filipinos would accept that killing an innocent life is a sin.

But in the US, it's a different story. I can hear in every meme or in the chant that says, "My body, my right." They mock Christians for imposing the law and imposing their "religion" to them. They wanted to be left alone with their choice since they don't believe in God anyway.

But I was glad that there is a division in the US about abortion right now. I have always thought that US have long treated abortion as legal. To have a "change of heart" means that their Christianity is still alive. It means hope is not at all lost.

So when Jesus talks about division in today's Gospel, it means being vocal about the truth of the Word regardless of whoever you are up against. It is about standing your ground for the sake of the Gospel. Are we going to remain silent in order to achieve peace or rock the boat to defend the Gospel?

Prayer

Father teach us to be bold and be brave for the sake of the Gospel. Amen.