Peace Lovers and Peace Makers

The Gospel reading is Luke 12:49-56

Father Mark discusses the parable of the prodigal son, and the distinction between Jesus coming to bring peace and today’s Gospel reading in which Jesus says he came to bring fire and division. Father Mark explains the “fire and division” as Jesus speaking of the response his teachings will bring from those who are “peace lovers” who love the false peace of the status quo, rather than “peace makers” who “rock the boat” by challenging the surface peace of the status quo and bringing the deep peace of the Kingdom of God.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.