October 22, 2020
Thursday for Week Twenty-Nine for Ordinary Time
Readings for Today
Saint John Paul II, Pope—Memorial wey No Be Must
Listen for English
Una think say I come bring peace for this world? No, I dey tell una, na to make pipu dey against one another. From now on, family of five go divide, three against two and two against three; papa go dey against im son, and son against im papa; mama against her daughter, and daughter against her mama; mama-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mama-in-law.” Luke 12:51-53
Yes, this Scripture fit shock person when e first read am. Why Jesus go talk say He come bring division instead of peace? This one no sound at all like wetin He go talk. And as He come still talk say family members go dey against one another, e even make person confuse more. So wetin this one mean?
This passage show one of the things wey fit happen because of the Gospel, wey no be wetin the Gospel intend, but wey God allow. Sometimes, the Gospel fit make pipu no dey united. For example, throughout history, Christians don suffer serious persecution because of their faith. The example of many martyrs show say pipu wey dey live according to the faith and dey preach am fit become target for another person.
For our world today, some Christians dey suffer persecution just because dem be Christians. And for some cultures, pipu dey treat Christians very badly because dem speak out about some truths of the faith concerning right and wrong. Because of this, to proclaim the Gospel fit sometimes make pipu no dey united.
But the real thing wey dey cause any lack of unity na because some pipu refuse to accept the truth. No fear to hold the truths of our faith firmly, no matter how other pipu react. If dem hate you or treat you badly because of this, no let yourself give in and compromise just to get “peace at any cost.” That kind peace no come from God, and e no go ever bring true unity for Christ.
Today, think deeply about whether you dey struggle not to compromise your faith when other pipu challenge am. Know say God want make you choose Him and His holy will above every other relationship for life.
Lord, give me grace to keep my eyes on You and Your will, and to choose You above every other thing for life. When pipu challenge my faith, give me courage and strength to stand firm for Your love. Jesus, na You I trust.
Prayers & Resources for the U.S. Elections
More Reflections on the Gospel
Reflection Dem about God im Mercy
Saint for Today – Saint John Paul II, Pope
Picture: “Sermon for the Mountain” by Henrik Olrik
