Sword of Holy Scriptures

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Generally when we think of the gospel message from Jesus, we think of loving and compassionate words. However, today’s gospel message (Matthew 10:34-11:1) at first appears to be rather harsh and condemning. Jesus tells us: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's foes will be those of his own household.” Why would Jesus want us to take up a sword against our parents or to be in opposition to our families? This does not sound like a person who came in peace to love and serve the world, but one who wants to start a war. He even goes on to say that, “He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Not only was Jesus sent to love the world, he was also sent to defeat the powers of evil and free us from darkness. Jesus is trying to tell us that our true salvation comes from obedience to Him and that me must follow Him. We must open our hearts to hear the Word of the Lord and not let others lead us astray, not even our own families. The sword that we must take up is not a sword of steel, but the Holy Scriptures. We must be willing to take up our cross and follow him no matter what happens to us.

But rest assured, today’s message is not telling us to be disobedient to our parents or to be in opposition to the fourth commandment, but to the set the first commandment above all. In this great battle, Satan is trying to defeat Christ and lead us into darkness. Satan will use any means available to lead us astray. Satan wants to establish conflict that separates us from Christ. So where do you establish your allegiance? The actions you take and the decisions you make establish which trail you are on. You can not be on two trails at the same time. Either you are following Christ or you are not. This boils down to the classic battle between good and evil. Our decisions, our actions and our words will determine whether we are walking toward the light or toward darkness. The message is clear and we must be willing to risk our present life to have eternal salvation. This is like gossiping about someone and justifying it by saying it’s the truth. If we are gossiping, we are looking for the darkness in someone. Instead, we are called to find the good in everyone.

The gospel message goes on to have a very positive message: “He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward, and he who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” Christ asks us to find good in the world. We must seek good and not evil; we must look for the good in everyone. We must try to find the good in the least of our brothers. Not only will this make you a better person, but it brings you closer to Christ. Christ came to help us find the light and to show us the way. By seeking the righteousness and good in people, we are showing them the light and the way. The true love expressed by God is for everyone and we must express that same love. We are not only asked to love our families and our best friends, but those who are difficult to love. If we give to others, Christ tells us that we will be rewarded in heaven. We are not called to serve ourselves but to serve God, for he who serves God will celebrate with our Father in Heaven.

A Simple Prayer Lord, lead me to you. May I be obedient to you; May my actions and words be pleasing; Help me to find the goodness in others So I can receive the rewards that you promised.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon