20TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR C

 

1st Reading          Jer. 38:4-6.8-10

Resp. Psalm         Ps. 40:2.3.4.18 (R.14b)

2nd Reading       Heb. 12: 1-4

Gospel                  Luke 12:49-53

WHO IS THE TRUE AND CREDIBLE WITNESS?

Today is the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, and the Gospel passage from Luke 12:49-53 is one of the often disturbing utterances of Jesus which should not be taken literally. We shall attempt to decipher and unpack the meaning of those words. Before we delve into it, we need to be aware that the passage has a parallel in Matthew 10:34-36, with few textual differences. 

The context within which Luke presents the narrative is the readiness of the servant. The preceding narrative (Lk. 12:35-48) and the succeeding narrative (Lk. 12: 54-59) set the tone for today's passage to be located within the context of the call to be ready.

For Jesus to say that he has come to establish division, and not peace, may leave us to wonder the kind of Messiah he could be. At his birth the angels, in praising God, proclaimed peace on earth (Lk. 2: 14). Jesus refers to a kind of renewal of the earth and a subsequent separation of those who believe in him from those who do not. 

The renewal of the earth is informed by Jesus' mention of fire (PÛR). This cleansing effect will find its root in Christ's suffering, death and resurrection. This is hidden under the word 'Baptism' (BAPTISMA). Baptism, as used in the Gospel narrative, may be extended in meaning to be a sort of Martyrdom, of suffering (Mark 10:38). Martyrdom is credible witnessing. 

Luke takes note of the fact that the world is made up of the pure and impure. Just like metals, the cleansing power of fire will reveal the true and false witnesses of Christ. A true witness will certainly undergo the 'Baptism' (suffering) in like manner. Never be afraid to undergo suffering for by it your fidelity to Christ is tested. 

Luke, unlike Matthew, is quick to inform us that Christ's separation of the faithful from the unfaithful will take place in a household setting. A household (OIKOS), which is an economy, figures the earth, the human generation. The human race is a household. 

In addition to the indication of a household, the author says that the household is made up of five. A division of this number will not present a perfect division or separation; three on both sides or 2 on both sides. 

If we look closely at Jesus' own division, we are told about two numbers; three and two. We have to take note that the division is brought about by the presence of Jesus and belief in him. Two and Three can be taken as legal numbers; they are numbers of witnessing. Two people are legal witnesses, just like Three people (Deuteronomy 19:15; 17:6). In the household, there is a danger. Everyone seems to be witnessing to something, believing in a way that seem right to him or her. Everyone thinks his or her way of belief is true and right. But the true and credible witnesses are revealed by Christ and the readiness to undergo like Baptism. Just as there are true and credible witnesses, there are false witnesses. Time and Martyrdom will reveal.

The final detail we have to pay attention to is the pairing in the household; Father versus Son, Mother versus Daughter, Mother-in-law versus Daughter-in-law. The pairing does not tell "Father versus Mother ...". It brings people of like minds, people of same gender, social standing to the fore. Your conflict will not be with people you do not know. The very people you know will contend with you. We have to be ready to undergo that Baptism within the circle of people we know. This is also suffering. 

We pray that, against all odds, we may be true and credible witnesses of Christ in a household of true and false witnesses. 

Amen.

Pax et Bonum