Blessed are the Peacemakers

Thinking about today’s gospel with the warnings of fire, division and conflict, it is easy to accept Jesus was way ahead of his disciples as he knew that his path would never be an easy one. But fire purifies, in the tongues of fire at Pentecost, it represented the Holy Spirit. And preaching peace, justice and mercy for all equally, makes some powerful people, inside and outside the faith or faiths, very nervous. We only have to look at our politics today to see how determined the powerful are to hold on to it never mind the cost to traditional values! Jesus foretold this so that his followers were forearmed. But not so that they took up arms! The most powerful saints are those who give up power to help those that need a voice. So let us keep preaching peace and love- it’s not as wishy washy as it sounds!