Ephesians 3:14-21; Psalm 32(33):1-2,4-5,11-12,18-19; Luke 12:49-53
Jesus has some 'hard sayings' to share with us, and today one of the hardest - division in the family, siblings fighting amongst themselves, disrespect to parents. How can this be reconciled with his "do not be afraid" and "peace be with you" statements?
Jesus is comparing our present world with the complete and accomplished future one. Now, we are not perfect, and the radical demands of His covenant with us are not going to be equally received by all. So, there will be parents, children, cousins and siblings who do not 'get' what this new covenant is all about! We know this - and have to accept it however difficult. But we must not be without hope; we must always trust God that all will, in His full time, come to know Him.
Jesus' disciples lived on after him, and in a greatly troubled time of persecution and distress. And yet they were able to write to each other "Glory be to him whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine; glory be to him from generation to generation in the Church and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3 19:21). So yes, we may - we will - experience division amongst our closest, but God will prevail.