I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!

 

 "I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!  But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!  Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth?  I tell you, not at all, but rather division.  For from now on five in one house will be divided:  three against two, and two against three.  Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

Then He also said to the multitudes, "Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming'; and so it is.  And when you see the south wind blow, you say, 'There will be hot weather'; and there is.  Hypocrites!  You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?

"Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?  When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, least he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.  I tell you, you shall not depart from there til you have paid the very last mite."

 

- Luke 12:49–59 

 

On Saturday we read that Jesus taught, "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.  Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching.  Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.  And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.  But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.  Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.  Then Peter said to Him, "Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?"  And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?  Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.  Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.  But if that servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.  And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.    But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few.  For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more." 

 "I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!  But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!"  My study Bible comments here that fire is a reference to the proclamation of the gospel and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This fire both enlivens the faithful and judges the faithless; it purifies virtue and destroys sin (see Luke 3:16; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15).  Baptism is a reference to Christ's Passion (Matthew 20:22).   

 

"Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth?  I tell you, not at all, but rather division.  For from now on five in one house will be divided:  three against two, and two against three."   My study Bible explains that there are two kinds of peace.  There is a false peace -- to which Christ is referring here -- which is a shallow harmony resulting from ignoring issues of truth.  Genuine peace, it says, is reconciliation to God through faith in Christ and surrender to truth.  Genuine peace has division as a byproduct because not everyone wants truth.  In the fallen world, divisions are necessary for truth to be manifest (see 1 Corinthians 11:18-19). 

 

"Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."  Here Jesus speaks of the fulfillment of the prophecy of Micah 7:6.   In addition to the literal meaning, which my study Bible says has been experienced in the Church since the time of Christ, the older generation being divided from the younger generation also symbolizes, first, the rejection of the new covenant by followers of the old covenant, and second, the spiritual struggle between our old, sinful state and our renewal in Christ (see Ephesians 4:20-24).  

Then He also said to the multitudes, "Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming'; and so it is.  And when you see the south wind blow, you say, 'There will be hot weather'; and there is.  Hypocrites!  You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?"  This time is Christ's time of the Incarnation -- the revelation of the Kingdom of God in the first coming of Jesus Christ. 

"Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?  When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, least he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.  I tell you, you shall not depart from there til you have paid the very last mite."  My study bible explains that just as a guilty person would attempt to reconcile with an opponent before facing an earthly judge, even more so should one be reconciled to God in Christ before facing God's judgment.  In our reading from Thursday of last week, at the beginning of chapter 12, Jesus taught, "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.  But I will show you whom you should fear:  Fear Him who, after He has  killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!"

 

Jesus speaks of truth as something that will cause division.  Specifically, His truth -- the spiritual truth of the reality of the kingdom of God -- will work to divide people between those who accept it and those who do not.  He says, "I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!  But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!"  This fire, my study Bible says, is the proclamation of the gospel, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Both are linked to the presence of the kingdom of God, within which we may dwell and participate even in this world, and which also dwells in us (see Luke 17:20-21).  We may also look at images of fire found in Scripture and consider what they indicate to us.  There is the burning bush out of which Moses heard the voice of God -- a bush that was aflame with a fire that didn't consume the bush, didn't burn it (Exodus 3).  This sense of division or split can also be understood in the effects of that fire, and how people respond to it.  Fire is also representative of energy.  But the same fire of the Holy Spirit is the one that "burns" those who will experience hell, and it is the flame that also purifies.  This understanding is part of why it is so important to accept the power of repentance.  To change our minds about clinging to the things that burn in that purifying fire is to repent, to change who we are in an important spiritual sense, just as to evolve and grow turns us into quite different persons than we were once upon a time.  The fire of God is the same one that both vivifies and gives life, and also purifies and burns away what cannot stand in its energies -- and this is the fire of the truth of Christ, who also said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).  In this sense, Christ's gospel of the Kingdom becomes the fire that will cause division -- and His baptism the baptism of the Cross, scandalizing some and for others the door to eternal life and salvation.  So frequently we seem to be given the message that it's our job as Christians to embrace everyone.  After all, Christ tells us to love our enemies.  But we need to consider what it means to love; love does not mean denying the truth of Christ and the gospel.  In St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, in his unforgettable passage on love, St. Paul writes, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).  For our purposes in today's commentary, we pay specific attention to St. Paul's word that "love . . . does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth."  To love others, then, does not preclude division in terms of our respect for and love of truth, neither does it ask for a false peace such as my study Bible describes.  Christ's fire is also the fire of the love of God, and we should not and must not forget that.  He has come into the world not to do something just to make us all feel good, but to do something monumental to the point that it will transform and transfigure all of creation, taking our suffering, our sin, our struggle with all the elements of evil that can afflict this world -- and make even that transfigured into an outcome of the good.  This is not simple or easy, but rather His own tremendous sacrifice (His "baptism" on the Cross), and the fire of the gospel that will (and did) transform the world.  That transformation and transfiguration is ongoing, even as we also may join in with Him, repenting within the effect of that fire, seeing and embracing the truth He brings of His redemption for us, and letting go of the things that will burn in the great fire of His love.    For nothing is had without sacrifice, but all is gain in the love of the Lord.

Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword

 

 "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth.  I did not come to bring peace but a sword.  For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.'  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 after Me is not worthy of Me.  He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

"He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.  He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward.  And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.  And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."

 

- Matthew 10:34-42 

 

In our current readings, Jesus is speaking to the Twelve preparing them for their first apostolic mission (beginning with Monday's reading).  Yesterday, we read that Jesus told them:  "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.  It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master.  If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!  Therefore do not fear them.  For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed and hidden that will not be known. Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.  And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin?  And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.  Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.  But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven." 

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth.  I did not come to bring peace but a sword."  My study Bible comments that, just before His most violent death on the Cross, Christ promised peace to His disciples (see John 14:27).  But the existence of evil, my study Bible explains, necessitates spiritual warfare.  The earth to which Christ came was under the authority of Satan (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4).  It is therefore essential that Christ wage war against the leader of vice with weapons of virtue (Ephesians 6:11-18).  Jesus has also made a similar statement in Luke 12:51, albeit in a different context.  There my study Bible explains that there are two kinds of peace.   There is a false peace which is a shallow harmony resulting from ignoring issues of truth.  But genuine peace is reconciliation to God through faith in Christ and surrender to truth.  Genuine peace, it explains, has division as as byproduct because not everyone wants truth (the "sword" of Christ; see Hebrews 4:12).  In the fallen world, my study Bible continues, divisions are necessary for truth to be manifest (see 1 Corinthians 11:18-19).  

"For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.'  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 after Me is not worthy of Me.  He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."  My study Bible says that this is a fulfillment of the prophecy of Micah 7:6.  In addition to the literal meaning here, which has been experienced in the Church since the time of Christ, the older generation being divided from the younger also symbolizes the rejection of the new covenant by followers of the old, and also the spiritual struggle between our old sinful state and our renewal in Christ (see Ephesians 4:20-24).  Moreover, my study Bible comments, to carry one's cross, a true disciple must be ready, if necessary, to sacrifice even family relationships.  

"He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.  He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward.  And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.  And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."  Apostles, my study Bible states, are ambassadors who represent the Lord.  So, therefore, all who extend help to them are showing mercy directly to Christ and will receive God's reward (see Matthew 25:40).  

Jesus says, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth.  I did not come to bring peace but a sword."   What is this sword?  Above, the notes reported from my study Bible tell us that it is Christ's truth, the word of God.  In Hebrews 4:12, St. Paul elaborates on the word of God as a sword:  "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."  In that case, the division might be within us, and within others, in this conflict between the old life and the new life, or the ways of the world we've learned and the ways that Christ's word (His truth) give us.  When such a word is spoken, it may create sharp divisions within and among people, families, communities, friendships.  This is because, as St. Paul describes it, Christ's word cuts to the heart of all things, and within people as well.  In Revelation 19, we're told of the Faithful and True, who in righteousness judges and makes war, and His name is called the Word of God.  "Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 19:15-16).  Clearly we can see the consistency of this "sharp sword" which is the truth of the word of God, which proceeds from His mouth.  And we see, as well, the consistent use of the image of the sword of truth used to wage a kind of spiritual warfare, to reclaim the world from the evil one, as my study Bible explains.  So what is this spiritual warfare, and why is it necessary that we join in this struggle? Spiritual warfare is as simple as my study Bible put it:  we meet "the leader of vice" with weapons of virtue, cited from Ephesians 6:11-18, the "whole armor of God," as St. Paul puts it.  When we, therefore, choose to live as faithful Christians, we are in effect waging this spiritual warfare, and taking up our own crosses, as Christ calls the disciples, and we who follow, to do.  St. Paul writes (in the cited passage from Ephesians 6), "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."  When we see tremendous clashes in the world, and the frightening sights that accompany them, then it is time to consider Christ's words and take them very seriously.  He has told the disciples (in yesterday's reading, above) not to fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  Rather our deeper reverence is to God.  How can we participate in the spiritual battle to which Christ calls us?  One would suggest clinging to His truth, to the whole armor of God as described by St. Paul, to Christ's word, all the more strongly.  Let us make certain that we take time for prayer, laying all things before God and asking for direction.  Let us not take refuge in following the crowds, indulging in emotional responses which are not the way of Christ.  Let us cling to the righteousness He teaches us.  For this is the division and the sword, and we must make our choice to follow Him.

You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?

 

 "I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!  But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!  Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth?  I tell you, not at all, but rather division.  For from now on five in one house will be divided:  three against two, and two against three.  Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

Then He also said to the multitudes, "Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming'; and so it is.  And when you see the south wind blow, you say, 'There will be hot weather'; and there is.  Hypocrites!  You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?  Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?  When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.  I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite."

 

- Luke 12:49-59 

 

On Saturday, we read that Jesus preached, "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.  Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes will find watching.  Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.  And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.  But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.  Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect."  Then Peter said to Him, "Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?"  And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?  Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.  Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.  But if that servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.  And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.  But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few.  For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more."

 

"I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!"  Fire is a reference to the proclamation of the gospel and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  My study Bible comments that this fire both enlivens the faithful and judges the faithless; it purifies virtue and destroys sin (see Luke 3:16; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

 

"But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!"  Baptism refers to Christ's Passion.  See Matthew 20:21-23.   

 

"Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth?  I tell you, not at all, but rather division.  For from now on five in one house will be divided:  three against two, and two against three."  My study Bible comments that there are two kinds of peace.  False peace is the one to which Christ is referring here.  That kind of "peace"  is a shallow harmony which results from ignoring issues of truth.  But genuine peace is reconciliation to God through faith in Christ and surrender to truth.  Genuine peace has division as a byproduct, because not everyone wants truth.  In the fallen world, my study Bible adds, divisions are necessary for truth to be manifest (see 1 Corinthians 11:18-19).  

"Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."  My study Bible says that this is a fulfillment of the prophecy of Micah 7:6.   Additionally, besides its literal meaning, which has been experienced in the Church since the time of Christ, the older generation divided from the younger generation is symbolic of  first, the rejection of the new covenant by followers of the old covenant, and second, the spiritual struggle between our old, sinful state and our renewal in Christ (see Ephesians 4:20-24).  

 

Then He also said to the multitudes, "Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming'; and so it is.  And when you see the south wind blow, you say, 'There will be hot weather'; and there is.  Hypocrites!  You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?"  This time is the revelation of the Kingdom of God in the first coming of Jesus Christ (see Luke 10:9).

 

"Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?  When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.  I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite."  My study Bible comments that, just as a guilty person would attempt to reconcile with their opponent before facing an earthly judge, even more so should one be reconciled to God in Christ before facing Christ's dread judgment.  

The idea of reconciliation before meeting the judge is an important one.  Jesus is speaking about a kind of justice that involves more than a simple worldly justice, but exists on cosmic levels as well.  For here, the judge is God, and Jesus speaks of the ultimate judgment.  This is one for which there is no appeal.  Traditionally, the time for repentance is while we live our lives in this world.  We are beings who dwell in a linear measurement of time.  Throughout our lives, we have time to reconsider, to change our minds (the literal meaning of the Greek word metanoia/μετανοια which is translated as "repentance").  But after death, our being changes, the place where the soul may dwell is of an entirely different kind of substance.  We don't know what kind of repentance is possible, and we certainly haven't considered what it would mean to appeal God's judgment after the time of judgment.   (While we dwell in our worldly lives, according to the historical teachings in the Church since ancient times, we are to pray all the time for one another and for our departed.)  We neither fully know nor understand the nature of time as it changes when we are no longer in this earth, nor how we may change.  The closest we can come to a glimpse is in a teaching given by Jesus to the Sadducees when they test Him in Luke 20:34-38.  Jesus says of that life, "But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection."  To be immortal and equal to the angels and sons of God indicates a kind of existence in which time no longer plays a part.  One glimpse we have of such a condition is the understanding of the fallen angels who rebelled against God:  their decisions are absolute, for their intelligence is different from our understanding.   So in terms of thinking about Christ's teachings here, let us take them in context about his warning not to think only of accumulation for we don't know when we will leave this life (in Friday's reading), and about our alertness and readiness to follow God's will, caring for our fellow servants (in Saturday's reading). We're to understand that while we live in this world, time is of the essence.  We have a job to do, business to take care of, and that is the business of God's kingdom and what it asks from us.  How we treat one another is crucial to this place, but more important is the loyalty we choose to God and to building the Kingdom.  For that will determine the rest.  Taking care of our fellow servants does not mean always agreeing or doing someone's bidding should it be destructive  -- for this is the teaching in today's reading regarding division.  But it does mean seeking God's way first, serving the Kingdom first, remembering to be about our Father's business.  For in this teaching is contained the teachings of compassion and the fruits of the Spirit, not of selfishness.  Once again, we may also observe Jesus drawing closer to the time of the Cross, and reminding us that the time of our lives is important, essential.  There is none who will not face this time; even our Lord will experience human death.  He tells us, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends" (John 15:13).  His human life will end in an act of extraordinary love.  How can we show our love for Him in return?  For this seems to be the point of what it is to make the most of our time -- and especially to reconcile with the Judge, to experience His peace.

If You do these things, show Yourself to the world

 

 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him.  Now the Jews' Feast of Tabernacles was at hand.  His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing.  For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly.  If You do these things, show Yourself to the world."  For even His brothers did not believe in Him.  Then Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready.  The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.  You go up to this feast.  I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come."  When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee. 

But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.  Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, "Where is He?"  And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him.  Some said, "He is good"; others said, "No, on the contrary, He deceives the people."  However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.

 

- John 7:1-13 

 

Yesterday we read that many of Christ's disciples, after they heard His teachings concerning eating His flesh and drinking His blood, said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?"  When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, "Does this offend you?  What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before?  It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing.  The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.  But there are some of you who do not believe."  For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him.  And He said, "Therefore I have said no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father."  From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.  Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?"  But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?"  He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.  

 

After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him.  In chapter 6 we read of events that took place during the second Passover season recorded in John's Gospel, in which Jesus disputed with the religious leaders ("the Jews" is used in John's Gospel most often to denote specifically the religious leadership, and not the people in general).   For this reason He does not want to walk in Judea, the center of the religious establishment and the temple.  We are now beginning to read of events which took place during the final year of Christ's earthly life.

Now the Jews' Feast of Tabernacles was at hand.  The Feast of Tabernacles (Hebrew Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Booths) is an eight-day autumn harvest festival.  My study Bible explains that it commemorates the time when Israel wandered in the wilderness of Sinai, and the people lived in tents, or tabernacles.   Along with Passover and Pentecost, these formed the three most important festivals of the ancient Jews.  It included may sacrifices and celebrations (Leviticus 23:33-43).  In later times, the final day of the feast also included drawing water from the pool of Siloam to be mixed with wine and poured at the foot of the altar, both as a purification and also in remembrance of the water flowing from the rock that Moses struck (Exodus 17:1-7).  Later on the images in this chapter will inform Christ's teachings on light and illumination, reflecting the lighting of the great lamps in the outer court of the temple.  See also 2 Maccabbees 10:5-9.

His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing.  For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly.  If You do these things, show Yourself to the world."  For even His brothers did not believe in Him.  Then Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready.  The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.  You go up to this feast.  I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come."  When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee.  My study Bible comments that Christ's relatives have not yet understood His identity and mission.  His brothers speak in earthly or worldly terms (show Yourself to the world), but Christ's mission is one that testifies to the evil in the works of the world (see Matthew 16:2-24).  My study Bible explains also that in Jewish usage (and for that matter, today in the extended Middle East), the term brother can indicate any number of relations.  Abram called his nephew Lot "brother" (Genesis 14:14); Boaz referred to his cousin Elimelech as his "brother" (Ruth 4:3); and Joab called his cousin Amasa "brother" (2 Samuel 20:9).  Jesus Himself had no blood brothers, as Mary had only one Son, Jesus.  The brothers mentioned here were either stepbrothers; that is, sons of Joseph by a previous marriage, or cousins.  We can understand this in the action of Christ at the Cross, in committing the care of His mother to John His disciple (John 19:25-27) -- for this would have been unthinkable if Mary had other children to care for her.  

But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.  Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, "Where is He?"  And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him.  Some said, "He is good"; others said, "No, on the contrary, He deceives the people."  However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.  My study Bible explains that not openly means not with a grand, public entrance as on Palm Sunday (John 12:12-16).  John's Gospel gives us the divisions of the people, adding that no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the religious leaders. 

What does it mean that Christ testifies that the works of the world are evil?  Jesus says to His relatives, when they encourage Him to show Himself openly, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready.  The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.  You go up to this feast.  I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come."   His "time" to which He refers is the time of His Passion, and we must understand this also in the context of testimony to the evil works of the world.  The Crucifixion itself, as plotted by the powerful leaders for their own reasons (Matthew 27:17-18), is an act which expresses this evil -- however, it is entered into voluntarily and knowingly by Christ, for it is the culmination of this testimony.  As it is Christ Himself, Incarnate God, the power which is also at work transforms and transfigures the Crucifixion itself, turning the Cross into a sign of Resurrection and God's power against evil.  As noted above, when St. Peter encourages Jesus to avoid the Cross, Jesus responds to him, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men" (Matthew 16:23).  It is one example of how a worldly way of thinking does not correspond to God's thinking, and specifically to the mission of Jesus Christ and what He must do in His testimony.  In today's reading, Jesus' extended family, not understanding His mission, encourages Him to "show Yourself to the world."   They reason that "no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly," and that He should "go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing."  But we know that many of Christ's works, in their immediate context, were done by Christ in secret (Luke 8:54-56), or in far away places (such as His revelation of Himself to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well (John 4:1-42), with Christ frequently admonishing the beneficiary of His grace and healing to "tell no one."  The "world," by contrast, would clamor for publicity.  Somehow, as in the words of Christ's brethren, everything depends upon proofs, upon showing something to the world that would compel belief (Matthew 12:39).  But often in the Gospels, the deliberate stirring up of crowds is something which in itself is used with evil intent, and misleads leads the people (Mark 15:11).  Faith, however, comes from something more than this, as we have read taught by Jesus throughout chapter 6:  it is the working of Father, Son, and Spirit within us that draws us to know Christ, and works within the heart of human beings.  John's Gospel will continually teach us that even the very Incarnation of Christ tells us something about what it is to seek and know Christ.  His mission is at work in the world but not of it (John 17:14)  There is something more that we seek, a mystical component that feeds also soul and spirit, and that prompts us to wish to know His path for us, and to grow in faith. 

 

 

 

 

Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?

 

 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."  But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.  

Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, "Truly this is the Prophet."  Others said, "This is the Christ."  But some said, "Will the Christ come out of Galilee?  Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?"  So there was a division among the people because of Him.  Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.  

Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why have you not brought Him?"  The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!"  Then the Pharisees answered them, "Are you also deceived?  Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?  But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed."  Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?"  They answered and said to him, "Are you also from Galilee?  Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee."

 

- John 7:37-52 

 

Our current readings are taking place in Jerusalem, at the Feast of Tabernacles (Hebrew Succoth or Sukkot), an eight-day autumn festival commemorating the time Israel wandered in the wilderness of Sinai.  It is the final year of Jesus earthly life and ministry.  On Saturday, we read that about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught.  And the Jews marveled, saying, "How does this Man know letters, having never studied?"  Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.  If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.  He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.  Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law?  Why do you seek to kill Me?"  The people answered and said, "You have a demon.  Who is seeking to kill You?"  Jesus answered and said to them, "I did one work, and you all marvel.  Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.  If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?  Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."  Now some of them from Jerusalem said, "Is this not He whom they seek to kill?  But look!  He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him.  Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ?  However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from."  Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, "You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know.  But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me."  Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.  And many of the people believed in Him, and said, "When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?"  The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him.  Then Jesus said to them, "I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me.  You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come."  Then the Jews said among themselves, "Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him?  Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks?  What is this thing that He said, 'You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come'?"

 

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."  But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.   My study Bible comments that the last day, that great day of the feast is the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles.  Many of the elements of this Feast provide a backdrop and context for Christ's teachings in the passages we read through chapter 10.  Here, my study Bible explains, the drawing of water provides the context for the Lord's teaching, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink."  On the last day, water was drawn from the pool of Siloam (meaning "Sent," as we shall read in chapter 9) to be mixed with wine and poured at the foot of the altar, as purification and also in remembrance of the water flowing from the rock struck by Moses (Exodus 17:1-7).  Christ's words and teachings tie in, magnify, and illuminate the spiritual events of ancient Israel which are manifest and made full in His presence (see Matthew 5:17).  My study Bible says that the living water of which Christ speaks is the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the new life that accompanies this gift.

Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, "Truly this is the Prophet."  Others said, "This is the Christ."  But some said, "Will the Christ come out of Galilee?  Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?"  So there was a division among the people because of Him.  Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.  My study Bible explains that the Prophet refers to the expected Messiah, the Savior whom Moses foretold would come (Deuteronomy 18:15-19).  Bethlehem in Judea was the town from which the Christ was expected to come (see Micah 5:2).  The public thinks of Jesus as One born in Nazareth of Galilee; they don't know of His birth in Bethlehem (see Luke 2:3-5).

Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why have you not brought Him?"  The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!"  Then the Pharisees answered them, "Are you also deceived?  Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?  But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed."  As we read earlier (see verse 32), the chief priests had sent officers of the temple to arrest Jesus in the middle of the Feast.  This is now the last day of the Feast, but no arrest has been made.  My study Bible explains that the officers had been converted by the Lord's teaching.  It cites the commentary of St. John Chrysostom, that the Pharisees and the scribes who had "witnessed the miracles and read the Scriptures derived no benefit" from either.  But these officers, on the contrary, although they could claim none of the learning of the religious leaders, were "captivated by a single sermon."  When the mind is open, "there is no need for long speeches.  Truth is like that."

Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?"  They answered and said to him, "Are you also from Galilee?  Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee."  My study Bible notes that Nicodemus has spoken with Jesus (John 3:1-21), and had increased in faith since then.  However, his defense of Christ is still based on our law, and this is not yet a public profession of faith (see John 19:38-39).  According to the law, Jesus must be given a hearing before He can be judged (Exodus 23:1; Deuteronomy 1:15-17).   My study Bible notes also that the Pharisees are showing their blind hatred and ignorance of the Scriptures in their reply to Nicodemus, for the prophet Jonah came from Galilee, the town of Gath Hepher, which was only three miles from Nazareth (2 Kings 14:25). 

 

 Nicodemus, who will eventually become an open and active believer in Christ, is quoted as saying to the others in the Council, "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?"  Nicodemus is himself a Pharisee, as we read in John's chapter 3.  We read in today's reading of the chaos and impending calamity that surrounds Jesus' presence at this time.  The people are on all sides concerning opinion about Jesus.  We are told that there was a division among the people because of Him.  In Friday's reading, we were told that "there was much complaining among the people concerning Him.  Some said, 'He is good'; others said, 'No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.'  However no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews [meaning the antagonistic religious leaders]."   So into this mishmash of chaos and confusion, and conflict of opinions and motivations, we find Nicodemus.  In some ways, Nicodemus might be said to be reflecting every one of us who struggles for faith.  We might be very much engaged by Christ and His teachings.  Although Jesus is not a religious authority within the structures of the establishment, clearly He was a compelling teacher and preacher, with a growing ministry of followers and disciples.  There is a strong notion about truth, and the nature of truth, that underlies the narrative, the story of what we read:  we read that the people are of mixed and conflicting opinion, no one is sure what to believe, there are all kinds of rumors that swirl -- some possibly spread deliberately, some perhaps simply mistaken and confused.  The members of the Council who oppose Jesus do so perhaps unfairly:  after all, He healed a man on the Sabbath.  It is a fair question to ask if this is truly a sin or a violation of the law (as Jesus in His own defense gives His own examples of blameless violations of the Sabbath).  But the conflict is clear; Jesus represents a problem for those who feel He undermines their absolute authority.  We can also read this in the fear we're told the people feel, who do not speak in front of the authorities who have the power to cast anyone out.  And so, we come back to Nicodemus, who is in some way in the midpoint of his faith journey as we reach toward the end of the festival, and officers are sent for Jesus' arrest.  Nicodemus takes root into the law he knows, the faith he loves, and he asks, "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?"  My study Bible has a couple of useful quotations that would seem to apply here, found in commentary on other passages.  It quotes St. Mark the Ascetic as saying, "Do the good you know, and what you do not know will be revealed to you" in commentary on Mark 4:24, a teaching regarding discernment and how we "hear."   In chapter 9, we will read of the blind man who has been healed by Christ, and is then questioned with hostility by the leaders.  We're told that he answered and said, "Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see" (John 9:25).  My study Bible comments that this healed man becomes a model of witnessing; his answer to people much more educated than he is provides the solution when we are unsure of the completeness of our knowledge. He admits what he does not know, but follows up with what he does know. It says that the formula, "That I don’t know, but what I do know is this," is foundational to witnessing one’s faith to others.  So we look to Nicodemus, who has not yet reached the point of a public confession of faith in Christ.  He is taking faith in what he does know:  he knows the law, he knows that it is good, that there are procedures in place for assuring that justice is done, and that actions are based in truth.  We know he is on a journey which will take him much farther along in faith in Christ, and that, together with another man of the Council, Joseph of Arimathea, he is commemorated in the Church.  But for now, let us look to Nicodemus as a sort of "Everyman" in the midst of a confusing and unclear battle of known and unknown forces surrounding him in Jerusalem at this time, and in the story of Jesus.  He knows what he knows; he has gone to Jesus by night for teaching and so has found some level of trust in Christ.  But for now, he attempts to certify what is true, to hold back the tide of rage and anger and political machination with a reverence for the law he knows is good, a search for truth, an attempt at justice and at judging good judgment.  He is seeking to do, in the way he knows how, as Christ taught:  "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24).  Many of us might find ourselves in similar circumstances, but we should do as we see Nicodemus doing (and we will watch his journey of growth and eventual risky public position that openly breaks with leaders by helping with the burial of Christ; see John 19:39).  He roots himself in what he knows to be good, he speaks the truth he knows as does the healed blind man.  He does the good he knows, as St. Mark the Ascetic teaches, and he will wait and respond farther along to what is revealed to him.  So, for today, let us see him as our model for witnessing and for truth.  Unfortunately, the Pharisees respond with an untruth that reveals their rage.  But even the officers who were ordered to seize Christ can hear the power and truth in His words, and are unable to act.  In today's reading, let us note that Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit, whom He also calls the Spirit of Truth, and consider how central that is to everything that we witness, and every person who must seek truth for themselves, in our own struggle to find our way through uncertainty and confusion. 

 

 

 

Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division

 

 "I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!  But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!  Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth?  I tell you, not at all, but rather division.  For from now on five in one house will be divided:  three against two, and two against three.  Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

Then He also said to the multitudes, "Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming'; and so it is.  And when you see the south wind blow, you say, 'There will be hot weather'; and there is.  Hypocrites!  You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how it is you do not discern this time?

"Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?  When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.  I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite."

 

- Luke 12:49-59 

 

On Saturday, we read that Jesus taught His disciples, "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.  Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching.  Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.  And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.  But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.  Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."  Then Peter said to Him, "Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?"  And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?  Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.  Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.  But if that servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.  And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.  But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few.  For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more."

 

"I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!  But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!"   My study bible tells us that fire references the proclamation of the gospel, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  It says that this fire both enlivens the faithful and judges the faithless; it both purifies virtue and destroys sin (see 3:15; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15).  

 

"Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth?  I tell you, not at all, but rather division."  There are two kinds of peace.  There is a false peace, to which Christ refers.  This false peace is a shallow harmony, that results from ignoring issues of truth.  Genuine peace, my study bible explains, is reconciliation with God, through faith in Christ and surrender to truth.  Genuine peace has division as a byproduct because not everyone wants truth.  In the fallen world, it further notes, divisions are necessary for truth to be manifest (see 1 Corinthians 11:18-19).  

"For from now on five in one house will be divided:  three against two, and two against three.  Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."   My study bible calls these verses a fulfillment of the prophecy of Micah 7:6.  Additional to its literal meaning, which has been experienced in the Church since Christ's time, the separation of the older generation from the younger symbolizes first the rejection of the new covenant by followers of the old covenant, and second the spiritual struggle between our old sinful state and our renewal in Christ (see Ephesians 4:20-24).  

Then He also said to the multitudes, "Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming'; and so it is.  And when you see the south wind blow, you say, 'There will be hot weather'; and there is.  Hypocrites!  You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how it is you do not discern this time?"   This time, my study bible says, refers to the revelation of the Kingdom of God in the first coming of Jesus Christ.  

"Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?  When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.  I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite."  My study bible comments that just as a guilty person would attempt to reconcile with his opponent before facing an earthly judge, even more so should one be reconciled to God in Christ before facing His dread judgment.  

Jesus continues with His themes voiced in recent readings regarding the importance of reconciliation with God as opposed to the world.  In Thursday's reading, Jesus taught, "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.  But I will show you whom you should fear:  Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!"  In today's reading, He goes further by speaking about the division that He is going to bring into the world.  It is most intriguing that my study bible emphasizes, as does St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:18-19, that divisions are necessary for the truth to be manifest.  This reminds us of the centuries of identification of heresies through various controversies in the Church.  Let us not despair when everybody doesn't just "get along" and there are differences of opinion.  Throughout history, there have been famous "peaces" such as the Pax Romana, or even the Pax Ottomana, which simply meant a kind of peace imposed from above by an empire which offered extreme penalties for anyone who disagreed or preferred not to be ruled by the empire.  This is not the kind of peace that Jesus brings; His is the opposite of such a "peace."  Jesus' peace is through reconciliation with God, but our pursuit of our faith evidently means we might find ourselves opposed to those who are around us, as the "ruler of this world" is not Jesus Christ.  Christ rules through hearts and minds and faith, and each one of us must choose for oneself, as this is a kingdom that asks of us love and trust, not slavish obedience born of sheer force.  God loves all of creation, but does not compel us to love God back.  This is a voluntary action which comes and grows through a response of the heart.  Nevertheless, the fact that we are free beings does not make our need to love God -- the One who has the power to cast into hell -- any less important in terms of the fullness of life in the Kingdom, and the eternal life offered by Christ.  Everything points to the central importance of the reconciliation with God as the power that is above all other powers, the one loyalty that it is absolutely necessary to have in order to realize the blessings of the Kingdom and the life that Christ offers, even an eternal life.  So when Jesus teaches us to reconcile with our opponent before the time, to make our peace with the judge.  This is an admonition warning to use the time of our lives well, in effort to reconcile with God through prayer and a heart that listens and hopes for that communion of love that God invites us into.  So when we face opposite and strife, and difficult circumstances, let us approach such troubles in the light of Christ that is offered to us in His words.  It is not that our lives really need to be trouble free, or antagonism-free, but that we need to approach all such struggles and conflicts with the light of God's truth as our beacon to illumine the way.  The reconciliation we need above all others is with God; this is the first place we need to take care of.  So how we walk through other struggles or conflicts, or even a lack of peace, must be determined by our hearts fully loved in God, in the life of Christ.  This is our beacon, our illumination, the lamp that lights the path for our feet, the number one priority and consideration.  Let us take it seriously in a world that seems to be filled with strife, opposition, and uncertainty.  There is always one place that is our true home.

Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword

Christ with sword, fresco, 14th cent., Sacred Monastery of the Ascension of Christ (Visoki Dečani) church, Kosovo

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth.  I did not come to bring peace but a sword.  For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in law'; and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.'  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 after Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who dos not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.  He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

"He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.  He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward.  And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.  And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."

- Matthew 10:34-42

In chapter 10 we've been reading about Jesus preparing the Twelve to be sent out on their first apostolic mission.  In yesterday's reading, Jesus taught:  "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.  It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master.  If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!  Therefore do not fear them.  For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.  Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.  And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin?  And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.  Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.  But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven."

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth.  I did not come to bring peace but a sword."  My study bible comments that just before Christ's extremely violent death on the Cross, He promised peace to His disciples (see John 14:27).  But, my study bible says, the existence of evil necessitates spiritual warfare.  The earth to which Christ came was under the authority of Satan (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4).  In this kind of warfare, my study bible adds, it is essential for Christ to do battle against the leader of vice with weapons of virtue (Ephesians 6:11-18).  Jesus speaks of peace and division, even of the sword, on spiritual terms.  His peace is an internal rest in Him; His sword is His word of truth (see Hebrews 4:12).

"For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in law'; and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.'  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 after Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who dos not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.  He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."  Jesus speaks to the fulfillment of the prophesy of Micah 7:6.  My study bible says that in addition to the literal meaning here, which has been experienced in the Church since the time of Christ, the older generation being divided from the younger also symbolizes the change to the new covenant and its rejection by followers of the old, as well as the internal spiritual struggle between our old state and the work of the Holy Spirit -- ongoing conversion and repentance (in Greek, literally, "change of mind") and our renewal in Christ (see Ephesians 4:20-24).  In addition, to carry his cross, means a depth of commitment that we can't estimate.   This spiritual sword of Christ's word and truth, the impact of His peace that we must accept, may be so deep as to necessitate even the sacrifice of family relationships.  Christ assures us that this is where our true treasure is, what is worthy.

"He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.  He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward.  And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.  And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."  My study bible notes that apostles are ambassadors, who represent the Lord.  Therefore, by extension, all who offer help to them are showing mercy directly to Christ, and will receive God's reward (see 25:40).

Jesus emphasizes, in varied ways, the spiritual nature of the project upon which the apostles are about to embark.  That is, He emphasizes that what they are doing isn't merely a worldly mission, but that it is also -- at the same time -- a spiritual mission.  They carry with them the Kingdom; they have been instructed to each as they go, saying "The kingdom of heaven is at hand."   Some people might mistake the military images, here in the Gospel and also in the Epistles, for allusions to physical combat or war, but they would be entirely mistaken, and lacking in understanding of Scripture.  When Jesus says He did not come to bring peace but a sword, Jesus is speaking of a spiritual battle in the world.  The sword is the word of truth that He brings.  The peace of which Jesus speaks is also not a worldly peace.  His peace, my study bible says, is not the false peace of a kind of shallow harmony which is the result of ignoring issues of truth.  Genuine peace has spiritual fullness, and includes a reconciliation to God, a surrender to spiritual truth in faith.  This peace is the peace which Jesus gives us, an internal peace which "surpasses all understanding," as it is not dependent upon external factors.  We find it when we rest in trust and abiding in God in faith, finding a way to supersede worldly circumstances.  It is like taking a moment to rest in prayer, and seeking out solitude to do so, even when there are squabbles around oneself.  Can this peace translate itself into circumstances around us?  Of course it can, as we seek to live it and share it.  But, my study bible says, this true peace of spiritual nature also has division as a byproduct, because not everyone wants that truth.  In fact, in this fallen world, it says, divisions are necessary for truth to be manifest (see 1 Corinthians 11:18-19).  Jesus further emphasizes the spiritual nature of preaching the Gospel when He teaches that "he who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me."  He speaks of a connection between those who bear the Kingdom and those who will receive what they bring.  If whoever receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward, and those who receive a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward, then whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."   What we are to understand is that although we see only the worldly dimensions of life, there is a spiritual reality that is at work through faith, which the apostles carry with them.  And by extension, true faith will carry with us when we choose to live as His disciples, to do His word, to live His truth in the world.  This is not simple to understand, it doesn't not necessarily manifest instantaneously, in real time -- for even Christ, we see in the Gospels, refuses to issues proofs on demand.  Therefore it is highly unlikely that without faith, we will never understand it.  But it is a promise, and it is, nevertheless, a reality experienced by countless faithful over twenty centuries of faith in Christ, and through the work of the Spirit which is everywhere present and fills all things.  Surely we must know how much we need this peace, even when all others relinquish their place in it.  Let us dwell within His faith and truth, and sustain ourselves in His peace with our prayers for ourselves and for one another -- even for all the faithful, both seen and unseen.

No man ever spoke like this Man!

 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."  But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, "Truly this is the Prophet."  Others said, "This is the Christ."  But some said, "Will the Christ come out of Galilee?  Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?"  So there was a division among the people because of Him.  Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.

Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why have you not brought Him?"  The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!"  Then the Pharisees answered them, "Are you also deceived?  Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?  But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed."  Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?"  They answered and said to him, "Are you also from Galilee?  Search and look for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee."

- John 7:37-52

Yesterday we read that about the middle of the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus went up into the temple and taught.  And the Jews marveled, saying, "How does this Man know letters, having never studied?"  Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.  If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.  He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.  Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law?  Why do you seek to kill Me?"   The people answered and said, "You have a demon.  Who is seeking to kill You?"  Jesus answered and said to them, "I did one work, and you all marvel.  Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.  If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?  Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."  Now some of them from Jerusalem said, "Is this not He whom they seek to kill?  But look!  He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him.  Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ?  However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from."  Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, "You both know me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know.  But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me."  Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.  And many of the people believed in Him, and said, "When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?"   The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him.  Then Jesus said to them, "I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me.  You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come."  Then the Jews said among themselves, "Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him?  Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks?  What is this thing that He said, 'You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come'?"

 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."  But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.  The last day, that great day of the feast is the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles.  On this day there is a ceremony of the drawing of water from the pool of Siloam.  It provides the backdrop and context for Christ's teaching, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink."  The living water of which He speaks is the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the new life which accompanies this gift.

Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, "Truly this is the Prophet."  Others said, "This is the Christ."  But some said, "Will the Christ come out of Galilee?  Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?"  So there was a division among the people because of Him.  Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.  The Prophet is a name for the expected Messiah, the Savior who was foretold by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-19).  The Christ was expected to come from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), descended from the lineage of David.   The ongoing debate over Galilee results from the people's understanding that Jesus is from Galilee, and their unawareness that He was in fact born in Bethlehem.

Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why have you not brought Him?"  The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!"  Then the Pharisees answered them, "Are you also deceived?  Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?  But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed."  The chief priests had sent officers of the temple to arrest Jesus in the middle of the Feast (see yesterday's reading, above, verse 32).  Now ti is the last day of this eight-day feast, and no arrest has been made, as the officers were converted by Christ's teaching.  My study bible cites the commentary of St. John Chrysostom on this passage.  He writes that the Pharisees and scribes who had "witnessed the miracles and read the Scriptures derived no benefit" from either.  But these officers, on the contrary, although they can claim none of the learning of the leaders, were "captivated by a single sermon."  When one's mind is open, "there is no need for long speeches.  Truth is like that."

Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?"  They answered and said to him, "Are you also from Galilee?  Search and look for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee."  Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, is the one who had spoken with Jesus in secret at night (3:1-21).  Since that time, he has increased in faith.  But his defense of Jesus to his fellow members of the Council is still based on our law; this is not yet a public profession of faith in Christ, which will come later on as he and Joseph of Arimathea, another wealthy member of the Council, prepare Christ for burial after the Crucifixion (19:38-39).  According to the law, Jesus has to be given a hearing before He is judged (Exodus 23:1; Deuteronomy 1:15-17).  Meanwhile, the Pharisees here show disregard for the law in their blind hatred, and also their ignorance of the Scriptures.  Jonah the prophet came from Galilee, from the town of Gath Hepher, just three miles from Nazareth (2 Kings 14:25). 


What are we to make of all the dissension and disagreement, argument and turmoil that surround Jesus?  The crowds are confused and there is a division among the people because of Him, the Gospel tells us.  But if we look closely, that same division is making itself known among the ruling classes and leaders as well.  The officers sent to arrest Jesus have failed to do so, so overwhelmed are they by His teaching.  The leadership as well have divisions.  As united and fully vested in resentment and outrage as they appear to be, there is dissension among them.  Nicodemus reminds them that the law does not judge without a hearing, and he is rudely rebuked.  By now the hatred and envy of the leaders has reached a stage where they speak thoughtlessly, casting out even knowledge of the Scriptures and the origins of Jonah.  But I think that it is important that we take a good look at these divisions.  We recall once again, as frequently we are called to do when we read John's Gospel, that the term "the Jews" is meant like a political term, to denote the religious rulers.  But even among the rulers there are important divisions.  Both Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, a very wealthy member of the Council (and so we might conclude an aristocratic member of the society around Jerusalem), will both publicly participate in the burial of Christ, showing honor to Him after the Crucifixion.  Nicodemus begins even here to speak up against the urge to rush to judgment.  There is no way that we can, in the light of the Gospels, make assumptions of monolithic nature of peoples under any circumstances.  Let us recall that every single person in this crowd and among the characters in today's reading is a Jew, including Jesus and His disciples.  The Gospel clearly shows us a great diversity of opinion surrounding Jesus, and this is explicit and deliberate.  Doesn't this teaching, made clear here in this Gospel, always apply to our lives and those who surround us?  Does not a great truth result in division, depending upon how each of us falls around it with our own opinions and perspectives?  Although in Christ is the true reconciliation of all things, and He is the Person who is Truth -- the pole around which our faith and divisions may rest -- each responds in their own way.  Moreover, the Gospel teaches us that each one is on a road of faith.  While the Pharisees as a whole are moving further and further into error and hatred, Nicodemus is moving further toward Christ on the pathway of faith.  The disciples, too, make a kind of pathway through the Gospels of doubt and faith, growing in their faith even while they clearly make mistakes (and are told so by Jesus; see, for example, Matthew 16:21-23).  While we can make statements about opinions and perspectives, we can weigh thoughts and assumptions and values, we really need great discernment when it comes to judging righteous judgment about people.  We have to be aware of what the Gospels teach us about each, and the road to faith that each must be on.  There is no doubt in the "mind's eye" of the Gospels, that Jesus is the Christ, the center of a universe and created history, the only begotten Son of God.  But in the meantime, human beings do a kind of dance all around this truth -- and while all individuals are capable of faith, no matter who they are or what position they hold in life (like, for example, Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, whose whole household received salvation), there are those who will go too far down the road of their own certainty and self-righteousness for repentance, and they in turn will mislead others.  Let us consider the important truths we find in this Gospel, that we cannot judge based on appearance, and neither can we make blanket assumptions of spiritual corrections based on them.  Each must decide for herself or himself, and each is on a pathway.  The critical question seems to come down to the capability we retain for repentance, for reconsideration, for a deeper introspection on truth and the human heart.  The Law was designed to teach good discipline and right relatedness, and from this lineage also comes Christ, the Reconciler of all things, the One who comes to heal, who is Truth.   In relation to Him we can have a sure footing, seeking to know ourselves, our weakness, our characters, and how we proceed along this road of faith -- even as we know we can't truly judge others, and always need His discernment.  Let us endeavor to know our weaknesses and blind spots, to be willing to reconsider, and to seek His truth with all diligence in our prayer, as we, too, journey toward Jerusalem through Lent in preparation for Easter Resurrection.  Our goal is to be like the officers in today's reading, who hear with hearts and minds capable of grasping what they had not known, open to hearing what they've never heard before.  No one could ever speak to us like the One who speaks to our hearts, except those who can share in that hearing.