20th
Sunday in the Ordinary Time
Luke
12:49-53
August
18, 2013
To follow Christ is a radical choice
because it demands a full reorientation of our entire being towards God,
service for others and the primacy of life. Doubtless, this realignment toward
Christ puts us in the awkward standing with others who hold different
ideologies, and often nails us in the perilous and even life-threatening
situations.
The
history gives witness to those countless Christians who paid the ultimate sacrifice
as they would rather die than betray their love for Jesus and others. In our
daily and humble life, we might not have to offer the final price, but still
following Christ is a radical option. One time, a friend shared to me that she
was in love with a man, her officemate. For a women like her, to fall in love
with a man of her age is nothing but natural. Yet, things complicate when she
knew that the man is not Catholic. He further demanded her to be converted into
his religion if she would want him to be her husband. In this shivering
situation, faith is no longer about attending the Sunday masses or listening to
catechism, but a radical choice that requires great sacrifice.
Jesus’
words in today’s Gospel turns to be a reality for every person who is committed
to Him. “I bring division not peace.” The division, separation, and enmity are
consequences of following Jesus. Yet, the good news is that Jesus does not
intend to destroy us but give us an opportunity to love even more.
The
ongoing civil war is taking place in Syria and it has claimed more than nine
hundred thousand lives. Among them are a Franciscan friar Francois Mourad. The
reason he was killed is not because he sided with any warring parties, but
because he refused to leave behind the community of refugees he served. In the
face of utter atrocity, he was able even to love enormously and finally give
himself for others. Yet, Fr. Mourad is not alone. Quoting Vatican Radio,
“Mourad was just one of the many men and women religious putting their faith on
the front line in Syria, refusing to abandon the communities they serve,
Christian and Muslim,”
One
time, I faced a profound crisis in my vocation. Honestly, I was confused: both
to be a lay and a priest are holy and dignified call. Then, a priest would give
this precious advice: “Bayu, choose the path that offers you more sufferings,
because there, you may love more.” To become Christian is surely hard decision,
but God would enable us to go beyond ourselves and to convert our faith into
reality. Do not fret! Be His followers and love more!
Br.
Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP
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