Jesus says in Luke 12, 49-53 that He has come not to bring peace, but division on the earth. At first glance, this is a hard saying and it does not make much sense. Is Jesus not the Prince of Peace? Did Jesus not say at the Last Supper that He was giving His peace to His disciples, a peace that the world could not give and that no one could take away? Did He not say, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest?” Was not the final greeting of the Risen Christ to His disciples in the upper room “Peace be with you?” Yes, all of this is true, but He also warned His disciples that, after He was gone, they could expect a rough ride.
Specifically, He told them that they would be hauled before rulers and governors, they would be beaten and jailed and put to death. People would think they were doing well in ridding the world of them. In that sense, Jesus was certainly not going to bring peace. And, by the time the Gospel was produced in writing, Jesus’ prophecy had been well borne out and there was a lot more to come.
Throughout Christian history, we have certainly seen our share of hostility, division, persecution, and troubles – but none of that has proven capable of taking away the peace that Jesus spoke about. On the contrary, it is only by being true to our convictions as disciples and maintaining our integrity, at whatever price, that His peace can be experienced.
Let us pray. “Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace, who are yourself our peace and reconciliation, who so often said, “Peace to you” – grant us peace. Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice, and genuine love. Banish from our hearts whatever might endanger peace. Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace. May all peoples on the earth become as brothers and sisters. May longed-for-peace blossom forth and reign always over us all.” St. John Paul II
