To the Ends of the Earth: Action – Week 7, Day 1 – Jesus Brings Not Peace, But a Sword

Mark C. McCann | 12/30/2024

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s foes will be those of his own household. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Matthew 10:34–39

These words may sound rather harsh. Some see this passage as exaggerated or symbolic language; but in truth, Jesus speaks clearly and without compromise. If we put anyone or anything before him, we become unworthy of inheriting the kingdom. Jesus is not calling us to hate our families. He is calling us to love him even more. He knows that believing in him can cause deep and painful divisions among family members. Those who would choose the cross will suffer loss on some level, but these are all temporary losses of lesser goods. Losing Christ, on the other hand, is losing an eternal treasure.

The Christian life is not easy, but it is joyful and fulfilling. The sword of division that our Catholic Faith brings can be painful, especially in our world, where many see anything Christian in a negative light. But what the world views as loss is actually eternal gain for those who believe. When we face up to what living in the shadow of the cross means, we discover new life and a peace that surpasses all understanding or expectation. That peace empowers us to live our lives dedicated to the cause of the Gospel.

Questions for Reflection

What division have you experienced because of your Catholic Faith?

What is the hardest thing about standing up for Christ in the modern world?

How can you encourage a brother who may be struggling to take up his cross and follow Christ?

Praying with Scripture

“I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled!” (Lk 12:49)

You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE

You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE

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About the Author

Mark C. McCann

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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.