Gospel

Luke 12:54-59

Jesus said to the crowds,

“When you see a cloud rising in the west

you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does;

and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south

you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.

You hypocrites!

You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky;

why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?

If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate,

make an effort to settle the matter on the way;

otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge,

and the judge hand you over to the constable,

and the constable throw you into prison.

I say to you, you will not be released

until you have paid the last penny.”

Reflection

Jesus is giving some very important advice to the crowds about conflict and division between us. He's saying that you have a choice, you can turn it over to the law, which is a binary world of right and wrong. Or you could open yourselves in this conflict to the Kingdom of God, which is a kingdom of understanding and patience and compassion.

By far one brings about unity, the other can only divide.

Closing Prayer

Father, there's a thing in each of us that can want revenge, or want to punish those that have harmed us. But your kingdom is calling us to something radically different. Keep us from our judgmental righteousness and open us to the beauty of your forgiveness and your mercy. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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