As I reflected on today’s gospel, I couldn’t help but relate the conflict, and division that he describes to the current environment.  It seems there is conflict and disagreement everywhere.  There is conflict between countries, between members of political parties, and religions and between those living under one roof.   Today’s gospel contains the words of Christ:

"I have come to set the earth on fire,
 and how I wish it were already blazing!
 There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,
 and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!

Can this be foreshadowing of the passion and death of Jesus Christ?  Jesus states that he has work to do, but wishes that it was done.  He will suffer until his work is done.  Does the division of which he speaks lead to his passion and death?  We know Jesus had followers, but his followers risked extreme persecution.  It could be painful to follow Jesus.  Some chose to follow, while others didn’t.  This illustrates a conflict that followed Jesus all over.

We can take some time today to consider sources and impact of conflict.  Do I have a role in a conflict?  What can I do to resolve conflict?  We can pray for guidance on a path of forgiveness, and peace. 

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
St. Teresa of Calcutta