Tenth Sunday - 2018

History clearly demonstrates the truth of the principle of, "divide and conquer", which Jesus sites in his defense. But Jesus is not talking about politics, rather about spiritual warfare - the battle between Satan and the Kingdom of God that Jesus is bringing into the world. The most powerful weapon that Satan has in his arsenal is DIVISION.  It is deployed by spreading falsehood, lies that directly oppose the TRUTH. Today it has been given an interesting new title, "Alternative Facts". Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’? ” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’ ” “No! You will not die,” the serpent said to the woman. “In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Gen 3: Jesus makes clear how destructive a weapon this is. To call falsehood truth (thus making the Word of revelation from the Spirit appear false) is blasphemy, and as long as one embraces it they cut themselves off from salvation.  From earliest times, the Church has suffered trials over theological disputes among Christians that have caused divisions within the churches, thus weakening the effectiveness of their witness to an unbelieving world. But in recent times genuine efforts have been undertaken to reach out and heal these divisions. St. Paul, addressing the Christian community in his second letter to Timothy writes; Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen. Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation. 2Tim. 2:14 It would be most helpful for each of us to examine our own contribution to the work of healing and reconciliation among Christians today. We are not the enemy, Satan is, and he works tirelessly to divide the Church and discredit the gospel message. Today "Alternative Facts" comes largely through the proponents of atheism. As deniers of God, they relentlessly harp on the faults of believers, with the result that this emerging generation is less and less drawn to the Church. But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered. Mk 3:27 The question we must ask ourselves in light of today's gospel: am I becoming bound by "disputes over words", "alternative facts", and the many controversy's that we encounter today?  For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. 2 Tim 4:3 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. ..... For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. Gal 5: At an ecumenical prayer service this past January Pope Francis addressed the importance for Christians to strive to heal the wounds of disunity that have plagued the Church these past five centuries.     "Authentic reconciliation between Christians will only be achieved when we can acknowledge each other's gifts and learn from one another, with humility and docility, without waiting for the others to learn first,"   In the year marking the fifth centenary of the Protestant Reformation, Pope Francis said Christians must acknowledge the past but not allow themselves to be fixated on it and on the injuries suffered at the hands of the other.    Christians must allow God, "who makes all things new, to unveil before our eyes a new future, open to the hope that does not disappoint, a future in which divisions can be overcome and believers, renewed in love, will be fully and visibly one," [ . . LINK . . ] *********************************************** The Relatives of Jesus In today's gospel reading there is also mention of the relatives of Jesus and mention of Jesus' brothers and sisters. Just who are these brothers and sisters? For a Catholic perspective on this question visit Catholic Answers and their examination of this question.   [ . . . LINK . . . ]