Jesus once said: "Do you think I have come to establish peace on the earth? I assure you, the contrary is true; I have come for division" (Lk 12:51). At that time, Jesus was speaking of rebuilding. He must remove the rotten parts of the foundation so He can build upon a firm foundation. He knows that a foundation built upon lies and rebellion cannot endure. He plans to build firm lives, hearts, marriages, families, parishes, nations, etc.
So to those who refuse to live according to His Father's plan, Jesus brings division — but only so that the future giving of peace has the possibility of being received and retained.
To those who allow Him, Jesus' plan is to bring peace. To those who don't allow Him, Jesus still plans to bring peace, after doing some rearranging of their lives so the peace can be retained.
Since Jesus "is our Peace" (Eph 2:14), do not let your hearts be troubled (Jn 14:1). "Dismiss all anxiety from your minds. Present your needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions full of gratitude. Then God's own peace, which is beyond all understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6, 7).
| PRAYER: | Father, make me an instrument of Your peace. |
| PROMISE: | "We must undergo many trials if we are to enter into the reign of God." –Acts 14:22 |
| PRAISE: | Every day, David prays "Here I am, Lord. I choose to do Your will. Give me a hearing heart." |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College