There is a certain comfort and security that comes from maintaining things as they have been. We know how they are, and we know what to expect. There are times, however, in which the status quo can stand to be challenged.
Jesus’ love comes to do just that. Our Savior doesn’t come to leave things as they are, but rather to sanctify and to purify them. His words in today’s gospel may seem shocking, speaking about division amongst family members. But change starts in the home. It’s possible that Christ puts us “against” one another so that we may truly look each other in the eyes, perhaps for the first time in a long time, and in that moment of encounter find him.
“If you want to change the world, go home and love your family,” said St. Teresa of Calcutta. Beautiful words by which to live.