Thinking things through- Monday, 15^th week in ordinary time- Matthew 10:34-11:1

If Jesus were a salesman in the modern world, He would have surely lost His job. The art of waxing eloquent was certainly not his forte.  One would have thought that Jesus would have at least made the mission discourse exciting, an adventure filled trip to lure more people to the cause. Instead He promised a hard trek down some dusty and challenging roads. The sales pitch  that He made, would have effectively driven away any prospective disciple.

Just when it sounds like it can’t get any worse, Jesus drops another bombshell. He says He has not come to bring peace to the earth but the sword. Rather strange words from the very one who came to be the ‘Prince of peace’ and who called peacemakers, blessed.

Lest we misunderstand the Lord, His intention is not to bring about bloodshed. The regrettable side effect of the Gospel is division, resulting from the uncompromising proclamation of the kingdom. The mission discourse clearly outlines the great challenges that the disciple must face in taking the Good News to the world along with the side effects it brings.  For Jesus, this is moment when decisions have to be made. We are with Him in mission or we are not!