"Paving The Road to The Kingdom of God"

Today's Gospel from Luke comes in a section of stark warnings about what to expect in the final judgment. This passage is one of the more difficult ones to hear because Jesus announces rather impatiently that he comes not to bring peace to the world, but division! He illustrates this division by predicting that the closest of relationships?those of father and son, mother and daughter?will be torn apart. So where's the good news? Jesus prepares the disciples by proclaiming that a choice to follow him means an upending of many things in their lives, including a realignment of close relationships. For us, a commitment to Christ will require new priorities, and these shifts may affect those closest to you. Jesus' warning does not mean that, as a follower of Christ, you will lose those closest to you, but it does mean a reordering may need to take place. While disturbing, the division that Jesus brings must always be understood as the harbinger of peace, reconciliation and the new reign of God.