In today's Gospel reading, we see Jesus giving us stern warnings, unlike His usual gentle and mild reminders. Jesus came to bring 'fire' so that all evil forces could be destroyed. As such, 'division' is bound to happen. It is either 'for' or 'against' evil, truth, human dignity and justice.

In Micah 7:6, the prophet spoke about the consequences of the degeneration of Israel in terms of the breaking up in family life. This division that Jesus spoke about is not quarrels or lack of 'peace' but the division of the ungodly from the godly. So those who accept Him from those who would reject Him.

What is our attitude towards the 'peace' that Jesus brought? What can we do to bring 'peace' wherever we may be.

We are also confronted with the sinful structures of our society. There is so much abuse, leading to corruption, dishonesty, violence, and dehumanisation in various forms, such as discrimination and racism. In such situations, Jesus wants us to bring peace, justice, fairness, honesty, respect for human dignity.

This is also what is said in the first reading. When we are slaves to sin, we need the redemptive love of God to free us from sin and become 'slaves' to God (Rom. 6:.22). This will enable us to attain 'holiness', thus the reward of eternal life as promised by Jesus.