Gospel Reflections for August 18 2019
Decisions …Decisions
Today’s Gospel seems to accurately describe our country right now.
It talks about divisions between people and even within families, 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, sometimes a family might have some following Jesus and some remaining with 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” actually 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 choices.
This is the message of today’s Gospel. Our Lord clearly expects us to make a decision and so 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!
When I was in my Catholic High School, it was the beginning of the 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 … and 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. A good choice!
We are clearly in a time of great political division in our country as well, where sincere people are aligned with very different political goals. Moreover, every event in the news is instantly portrayed as 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 the people who make decisions different from our own. We may disagree with their choice, and should certainly say so clearly and honestly, but we must never insult, denigrate, or harm anyone who chooses a different path.
While our political choices can separate us into different parties, our common humanity under God unites us together.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Well stated, Fr. Dave. My credo is I identify as “Catholic first” before identifying as a supporter of any political party.
Regarding your thoughts on “decisions” … especially political decisions …. Amen!
Dear Father Dave,
Yes, there is the domino effect of choice and decision. There is the old adage of to be or not to be … that is the question. To be whole in every sense of the word, is to be in synch with right and reason, to understand that at the tippy top of all order and authority is God. If we truly believe God is love, we then have our guideline for life.
A part of today’s society is grounded in the pejorative trend of “me first.” It’s so easy to spot and often makes headlines.
However, another part of today’s society is absolutely beautiful. Beautiful in prayer, love, and friendship. It’s easy to spot, too; although it doesn’t make headlines. It doesn’t have to.
As always, Father Dave, thank you for your reflections.
Kathleen A.
Please excuse a second comment from me.
Franca is so right to say how wonderful if we could watch caring and positive news. It would be tremendously healthy and good for everyone!
When I referenced the beauty of faith, love, and friendship not needing to make headlines, I was referring to some of our most cherished experiences, the things that touch our hearts quietly and fuel our souls.
Love my Kathleen Auth!! We think the same way with our Jesus and our Mary in our hearts!!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Franca
Yes, other people often do not witness some of the best moments of our lives.
Loved your reflection Father Dave!!!I It is so important to present our beautiful Catholic views in a beautiful, positive way!!! One doesn’t attract people to loving values like being pro life if not presented in a loving way!!I want to attract people to our precious Faith in Love!!! Each person is a miracle and has purpose in life to make our world beautiful and become the person God created him or her to be!! Our newspapers, TV. must show the beauty and goodness of society for it exists and is not shown!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee to see or read about a fireman saving a life, a poiliceman preventing a serious crime, a teacher teaching God’s love to children, a beautiful priest like yourself giving the gift of Faith to a hurting person!!! I want to see and hear the beauty of the world every day!!! Our Church is beautiful and does bring beauty to the world and the goodness has to be told so it becomes visible to all!!! I am surrounded in Jesus’ love and I want the world to be surrounded in Jesus love for so many beautiful people are living His love!! and our world should know about it in the news and TV. and then they may be inspired to live LOVE!!!! You, Father Dave are doing just that by your priesthood, by your life, by your University series!!! I’ would love to write a column in the Times, the News, talk on TV and tell the world GOOD NEWS!!! Can you get me a job!!! hahahha!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Franca!!!
Very important advice to remember as we respond to those of opposite political and religious views. Love for our neighbor extends to those that disagree with my point of view.
Thanks for the reminder.
Well said!
Love your sharing! Thank you Father Dave
I am glad you liked the article. More to come!
Hi Fr Dave: Disagree without being disagreeable. As always, thanks for your insights. Argyle Nelson
Thank you. BTW, just came back from a great fishing trip in the High Sierra’s.