One Minute Reflection – 18 August – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 12:49-53
“Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you but rather division.” … Luke 12:51
REFLECTION – “God has come into the world with a message of peace (cf Lk 2:14) and reconciliation (cf Rom 5:11). By resisting, through sin, the redeeming work of Christ, we become His opponents. Injustice and error lead to division and war. “Insofar as men are sinners, the threat of war hangs over them and will so continue until the coming of Christ but, insofar, as they can vanquish sin by coming together in charity, violence itself will be vanquished and make these words come true – “They shall turn their swords into plough-shares and their spears into sickles. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Is 2,4).” … Vatican II – Gaudium et spes #78 – Constitution on the Church in the modern world
PRAYER – Father of might and power, every good and perfect gift comes to us from You. Implant in our hearts the love of Your name and Your creatures. Increase our zeal for Your service and Your peace. Nourish in us what good and tend it with watchful care. Grant that the prayers and caring love of the Blessed Virgin, our Mother, may help us to spread peace in our world. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord in the union of the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen.