As I reflected on today’s gospel reading, the line about “not peace but the sword” stood out. After I did research about what it exactly meant, I couldn’t shake the memory of an experience I had long forgotten. I am sure we could all tell each other many stories having to do with each part of this gospel reading. For it is rich and there are many lessons throughout. For now, I will focus on “the sword.”
Jesus said to his Apostles:
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword.”
What exactly does this mean? Jesus is the Prince of Peace. So why is He saying this? When one gets right down to it, the very basic meaning is that we may be hated because of our love and devotion to God above all things. This may even come from our own family, friends, or community. I read somewhere that it may even be “part of the cost of our discipleship.” Think of the martyrs. However, that is an extreme example.
A Bit of an Ordeal
Well, my story is not even close to those of the martyrs. Though, at the time, it felt like a bit of an ordeal. You see, we were new to a Catholic school. When I found out there was to be a middle school dance with modern pop culture music and awkward slow dancing on the Feast of St. Lucy, I was aghast. Surely there were better ways we could enrich the lives of these mere 11–13-year-olds. I had read about St. Lucy festivals and thought they sounded so copious in Catholic culture and traditions.
I spent the next several nights doing research and figuring out ways to have a school festival of our own. There were creative stations and traditional foods and costumes, music, electric candles, and prayers! I was so excited envisioning how beautifully it could come together.
You can imagine my dismay when, at a planning meeting, the ladies would not even hear of my ideas. They simply said no at the mention of the word festival. It would be too much work and the DJ was already booked. A dear friend who was present said that perhaps they could at least just hear my ideas since I brought several pages of prepared notes.
Discipleship
As I left the meeting, I felt a bit dejected and discouraged. Dejected and discouraged by humanity, that is. As I reflected on the events of the day, I knew that I had done what this gospel reading is all about. Through the Holy Spirit working in me, I had put God and my discipleship first.
In the end, there was a beautiful painting of St. Lucy on display as the children entered the dance. Traditional St. Lucy bread, Lussekatter, was served, and I was able to hand out St. Lucy prayer cards at the close of the dance.
Whatever sword you face, dear reader, I am praying for your perseverance. May you continue to fight the good fight and remember your eternal reward. Find your life with Christ. May God bless you.
