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Gospel Reading for October 22, 2026 – Luke 12: 49-53
INEVITABLE
Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
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It is ironic to see religions dividing people in today’s world. Worse still, religion can cause division within a family, when it is supposed to bring love and peace to the family. But as Jesus said, he would cause division even within families. This happens when family members are baptized Christians but are merely nominal Christians. When family members do not embrace or live by the teachings of Jesus, division becomes INEVITABLE.
This is even more challenging in interfaith marriages, which, according to some studies, generally experience higher rates of divorce and lower marital satisfaction than marriages between people of the same faith. Issues such as where the children will be baptized, which schools they will attend, and other religious differences can cause unnecessary stress and friction between spouses.
How important it is for family members to be on the same page as Jesus so that the family may be healthy, united, and purposeful.
Lord Jesus, may our families be Christ-centered by listening attentively to your Word and putting it into practice, so that we may enjoy love and peace in our families. Amen.
