The beginning of our Gospel today (Mt 10:34-11:1) seems so uncharacteristic of Jesus. He states he hasn't come to bring peace upon the earth, rather he brings a sword. What happened to, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (cf Mt. 5:9). Or, as we read later in Matthew, "Then Jesus said to him, 'Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword'" (cf Mt. 26:52).
It isn't that Jesus is bringing about division. His message of love is for everyone. He died for everyone. Reconciliation is for everyone. Division comes about from us as we listen, understand, and live Jesus' message. Jesus was and continues to prepare his followers for the hardships we will endure as a result of us putting him first in our lives. Jesus encourages us to take up our cross and follow him. And in our times, our crosses are speaking out against the sin of racism, protection of the unborn, and free expression of our faith, just to name a few.
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