So a division occurred in the crowd because of him.

John 7:43

John 7:40-53

Reflection

Some people who hear Jesus speak declare he is the Prophet, others the Christ. Still others say that he is from Galilee, and cannot be the Messiah. The Pharisees are angry that they haven’t arrested Jesus because of his apparent deception.

A division occurred in the people because of Jesus during this Gospel. This still takes place today. Many of us experience division in families, work settings, friendships, etc. because of Christ. Some of us believe in him while others don’t; some have differing opinions on who he is or what his teachings mean. Regardless of why the division occurs, it still occurs.

Jesus tells us elsewhere that he came to cause division, where household will be divided against household. We must take care to be on the side of Christ and his Church. It is not enough to simply stand for Jesus but not his Church. We must defend the Catholic faith, even when it causes further division in our lives. If we are lukewarm about the Church we belong to, how strong is our faith?

Reflect on how following our Lord has brought division into your life. Despite any conflict, has it brought you peace and joy, and a deeper relationship with God?

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Saint of the Day

St. Nicholas of Flüe: 1417 – 1487

“O man, when the world hates you and is faithless toward you, think of your God, how He was struck and spat upon. You should not accuse your neighbor of guilt but pray to God, that He be merciful to you both.” St. Nicholas of Flüe