Monday July 17, 2017
“I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” What is this sword? It is the Word of God. It pierces the soul like a double-edged sword and reveals the hidden thoughts and desires of the human heart (Heb 4:12). It reveals our deepest attachments and priorities. It is the sword that pierced the heart of Mary and revealed her singular devotion to her Son (Lk 2:35). Like Mary, we are called to have the deepest attachment and devotion to Christ, and Christ alone. No other commitment, attachment, devotion, and tradition shall stand in the way of our love of God in Christ. Any love greater than love of Christ is idolatrous and adulterous.
What does this sword reveal in my soul? Which of the following attachments/priorities are blocking my love: my parents, siblings, children, work, parish, religious order, nation, particular rite, and even Church? Anyone who loves any of these more than Christ (instead of because of Christ) is not worthy of him.