Conversion/Change Starts with Division

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Ninth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:49-53*

*First Reading : Eph 3:14-21*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19*

*Conversion/Change Starts with Division*

*1) Jesus' Mission for Conversion*

The primary mission for which Jesus came into this world, is to convert people from falsehood and to lead them to truth

Jesus focuses on the conversion of heart 

Jesus speaks about the conversion of mind 

Jesus speaks about the conversion of ones behavior

Jesus speaks about the conversion of the person from evil things 

*2) Distinction between Good and Bad*

The major  task of Jesus' mission was to show the difference between good and evil 

Both these are involved in the society, in our life and in our behavior 

So once we are able to identify the good from evil, there occurs a division between good and evil 

This division is very important for choosing what is good and holy and to avoid evil 

*3) Division for good and not for destruction*

The Word division has a negative connotation in the ordinary circles 

But in today's Gospel context it has a positive out look and it has a great purpose 

Here division is used with multiple purpose 

So it is more for constructing rather than dividing 

*4) Division as Double edged Sword*

In the Gospel the concept of division can be seen as double edged sword which serves as dual purpose 

First of all it divides the Good from evil. So as a sword it divides into two pieces 

Secondly as a sword, it destroys the evil which is separated from good and it also protects the good from the attacks of evil, just like, sword in the hands of soldiers, protects them from the enemy 

So division is a powerful tool to destroy the evil 

*5) Division weakens the Strength*

This aspect can be seen in the positive as well as in a negative way 

Here division is seen in a positive sense. It weakens the strength of the evil

When the strength of the evil is weakened it can be controlled in a better way 

*6) Division is a continuous process*

We are living in a surrounding where good and evil are so mixed up together, evil depicts itself in the guise of good 

Unless one is very shroud one may not be divide good from evil 

So dividing good from evil is a continuous process and it has to be taken into account in a serious way 

*7) Division and Conversion*

The first step of conversion is the division 

Divide good from evil and choose good avoid evil 

This process takes place through the process of division

So division can be considered as the first and important step for the change of life 

*8) Division needs Courage*

Unless one has the courage one may not be able to divide good from evil 

Division always faces, a severe form of resistance 

To face these challenges and to go ahead with division one needs a lot of courage. 

Am I courageous to face the division? To effect the division? To lead the division? in my personal life and against social injustice for the sake of liberation??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*