Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Matthew 10:24-39

Jesus said:
“What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops...
...Do not be afraid.” (Mt:27-28)

This is part of Jesus' commission to the disciples as he sends them out two by two into the World to spread the Good News. They are to heal the sick and take no money. The Kingdom is a place where violence, death and disease do not have the last word. Mercy, love, justice, humility: These are the signs of God working through us. 

But strikingly, Jesus ends this passage by saying he doesn’t bring Peace but the Sword: households will be divided, family members will be set against one another. This is just after he has instructed the disciples to let their peace settle on the homes where they visit. And when not received, let their peace return to them - and simply shake off the dust on their feet and move on.

Jesus is not speaking about bringing violence through his sword, but rather discernment. 

When we are immersed in conflict, Jesus’ sword is not simply drawing a line in the sand as in "whose side are you on?" Jesus’ sword cuts to the core: a deeper decision-making process (a careful and prayerful examination and trimming of our thoughts and feelings) inspired by the Spirit …. 

There is simply “keeping the peace" by not "rocking the boat" ….and not engaging in difficult conversations with our loved ones (or not engaging in deeper self-examination through prayer). But such status quo peace-keeping is not the Peace of Christ. Jesus the Prince of Peace seeks deeper union with him which requires risk-taking ("taking up the cross" Mt:39) and standing up for the poor, the oppressed, the sick, and the imprisoned.
​Do not be afraid.

Yours in Christ,
Heather+