13th JULY. MONDAY IN WEEK 15

1.Exodus 1:8-14,22

2.Matthew 10:34-11:1

Peace and conflict

From today onward, the readings from the book of Exodus lead up to the theophany on Mount Sinai (Chap.19) followed by the guidelines for keeping the covenant (chaps.20-23), and its solemn ratification (Chap.24). Fidelity is the key aspect throughout the readings from the book of Exodus. Today’s gospel text is the conclusion in one of Jesus’ missionary discourse, for those he sends to continue his work in the world. From the two readings we are practically reminded that following the will of God can be hard, even disruptive of peace between our own brothers and sisters. Jesus sums it up in a dramatic paradox, “My mission is to spread not peace but division.” The text from Matthew gospel reads as, “not peace, but the sword.” From Luke’s gospel we read it as, “ sword” to “ division” ( Lk 12:51).

From our gospel reading we hear the inevitability of suffering and division, quite unsought and undesired. Recalling Simeon’s “blessing” and words to Mary as she held the infant Jesus in her arms: “This child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed.”( Lk 2:34). The sword of division is raised for nationalistic motives in the book of Exodus and by family disputes according to Jesus’ words. Exodus records how a new king who “did not know Joseph” came to power in Egypt. Both archaeology and history have revealed political and social upheavals in support of this. A native Egyptian dynasty had finally driven out the old and hated Asiatic ( Hyksos) dynasty from Egypt, because of fear and hatred towards all Asiatics, the Israelites were reduced to slave labour. God’s people were oppressed because of racial bias and nationalistic envy. Even in out time we are all invited to discourage tribalism and nationalism, instead we should all be one as children of the same father.

In the gospel it looks as if the problems can come from within our own family circle. The peace spoken in the gospel reading is not peace at any price, but only that peace that can coexist with a sincere resolve to submit to Christ and follow him. If the sword of discord has to strike within the family relationships, it must not be for dominance or personal ambition but only for the sake of conscience. However, the sword of violence never brings clear moral solutions within the family and the society at large. In our course of following Christ, we are all summoned to be sincere and strong, to be willing to suffer and bear the cross, to be humble and lowly, to be men and women of trust in Jesus.