I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!” vss. 50-51
Luke 12:49-53
Often, we imagine that Jesus was a man of infinite patience and deep serenity. Today’s text presents a different picture, one that may surprise us. Jesus told his disciples that he was having enormous stress as he continued his mission, and that he couldn’t wait until he was finished. And the main reason for his stress was the division that his ministry was bringing to many families. In some ways that knowledge can be a comfort to us. Because the same things that brought stress for Jesus can still plague our daily living. Everywhere we look we see division, certainly on a global and national level, but often in our families as well. And it produces enormous stress in our lives. And just because we have strong faith and are seeking to show patience and peace daily, we aren’t immune to the pain. It hurts to see our nation and our families struggle, and some days, like Jesus, we just can’t wait to be done with it all. The one thing we can’t do is retreat from the path of faith and obedience. We will continue to practice unconditional love and sacrificial service. That is our call and our mission, and even when stressed, we will continue to walk in the Way!
Thought for the Day: When am I most stressed? What do I do about it?
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