Gospel for August 14 2022 – Luke 12:49-53
Gospel Reflections for August 14 2022
Decisions …Decisions
Today’s Gospel seems to describe our country well …and maybe even your family too.
It talks about divisions between people …and yet seems to say this is a good thing. Why is that?
This Gospel was written about a generation after Jesus, when many people had wonderfully chosen to follow Him. However, a family might have some members following Jesus and some remaining in their pagan religion. Families were divided along these lines by the decisions each person made.
Every decision you make has that separating consequence. Every decision divides people into those that follow one path from those who follow another.
The very word “decision” has the same root word from which we have our English word “scissor.” That means every decision “cuts” or “divides” or “separates” one group from others by their free choices.
This is the message of today’s Gospel. Our Lord clearly expects us to make a decision to responsibly and maturely choose the path of our life. However, a decision to follow Christ can sometimes divide a family or friends from each other. Yet, this may still be a good thing!
I was in a Catholic High School during the mid-1960’s drug craze. Our Principal was concerned about the upcoming summer break and the chance that his students might try drugs. He offered a simple decision we could make. When offered drugs, we should reply firmly, “No Thanks …You go your way … I will go God’s way.” That clear decision would ensure our path would change from their reckless path and instead remain with Our Lord. Choosing Christ may separate you from bad people, and even classmates, yet always a good choice!
We are clearly in a time of great political division in our country as well, where sincere people align with different goals about the economy, moral issues, or even world affairs. Moreover, every news event is often instantly portrayed as either helping or hurting one political side or the other. It seems like division all the time.
What makes our Catholic response different is that we always respect people who make decisions different from our own. We may disagree with their choices, and should certainly say so clearly, honestly, and respectfully, but never insult or harm anyone who chooses a different path.
While our choices can separate us from others on a different path, our common humanity under God unites us together.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Good Morning Father Dave; Yes its about our World and our family My family are all different also i do not say or push them to much .Iknow i have my Faith and iam a believer. right now iam gonna be in for a fight i will be battling Cancer i know with my Faith in God an our Blessed Mother will be with me in this battle thank you Father Dave please pray for me ,,,,,,,Albert
Please be assurred of my prayers for you at this time.
This topic made me smile as my Family is all over the place with opinions and thoughts. My Faith is my Treasure and I proclaim it as such. I have children of conservative and liberal leanings mostly learned from colleges and friends. I love and cherish them all but have interesting conversations with them regarding their views.
Tis fascinating to hear why they feel the way they do.. I keep the lines of communication open and let them know I disagree but to cut off that person because of their belief is beyond my desire..
The Scripture helps in finding that path of Life to share our Love and Compassion with each other.
I am glad that you ask your children why they have the ideas that they hold. That is a very respectful way to continue communication and dialogue. Well done!
Dear Father Dave,
If ever there was an opportunity to speak to those in high government office, I’d love to say, respectfully, “Our nation is a nation under God. This fact separates us from the ordinary.”
Under God is huge! It shapes our morality, our choices, and the way we think. It’s a cornerstone of life.
We’re on this earth for such a short time. It’s the steppingstone into the next, so what we do here and how we conduct ourselves really counts.
God bless.
Kathleen
Very well said. Whenever we acknowledge that there is a power above us it can change our behavior for the better. Sorely needed now more than ever!
Hello Fr. Dave, Thank- you for another great gospel reflection! Our choices most likely will separate us from those on a different path, but if we can help it, we should try not to let disagreement ruin a friendship or prevent us from forming one. We can agree to disagree with those who do not share our views. As the saying goes, “Two heads are better than one” or “Four eyes are better than two” meaning that the point of view, perspective, or opinion of another person is vital to a more complete and thorough consideration of a situation or problem. So rather than making a decision solo, we can enlist the help of others. A fresh pair of eyes can unveil angles and approaches we have not considered before. I believe that doing this will result in an enriched understanding of any situation or problem.
I think you have written a very profound and wise set of ideas. Being open to hearing another’s viewpoint is so important. We may not ultimaely agree, but it is so important to hear it.
Hi Father,
I appreciate every word you have to say.
I agree this country is definitely divided on many issues, and I always respect your opinion on how to navigate this world we are in.
Thank you for always addressing it in a fair way.
Andrea DeRousse
I am honored that you find my articles so helpful. More to come!