They will be divided:
father against son
and son against father,
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
(Luke 12.53
NRSV)
In the first century, there was often conflict within families when one family member converted to Christ while the rest of the family did not. Jesus wanted to be sure that those who were following him knew the range of difficulties they faced. Being a modern day disciple of Jesus Christ still may cause hard feelings within families. Anne Tyler, in her novel SAINT MAYBE, tells the story of a nineteen-year-old man named Ian. Ian feels guilty about his brother's death and feels some responsibility to help raise his brother's children. At Christmas break, Ian sees how taking care of his brother's three children is wearing his mother down. Ian contemplates leaving college to help. One January evening a few days before he is to return to college for Spring semester, he notices a yellow glow through a window. He creeps closer to read on a sign, "Church of the Second Chance." He hears the congregation singing, "Something, something, something lead us..." He misses most of the words, but the voices are strong and joyful so he goes in. They sing some more hymns. Reverend Emmett prays. There is something about the prayer that catches Ian's attention. After the service Ian talks with Reverend Emmett. The pastor asks Ian, "What was it you needed forgiven?" Ian tells him what he is feeling. The last thing Reverend Emmett tells Ian is, "It's the religion of atonement and complete forgiveness. It's the religion of the Second Chance."
Ian goes home and tells his parents of his conversation with Reverend Emmett and his decision to take some time off from college to help with the family.
"I don't understand," his mother says.
"No one in his right mind would approve," his father tells him.
"What in the name of God...?" his mother exclaims.
"Well, that's just it," Ian says, "I mean, I don't want to sound corny or anything but it is in the name of God." Ian tries to quote some Scripture: "Let us not love in--`what'--in just words or tongue, but in...."
"Ian, have you fallen into the hands of some sect?" his father asks.
"Of course, we have nothing against religion," his mother tells him, "we raised all of you children to be Christians. But our church never asked us to abandon our entire way of life."
"Well, maybe it should have," Ian says. His parents look at each other. Sometimes being a disciple of Jesus Christ causes misunderstandings or even hard feelings among family members, but God is with us.
Lord Jesus, through all the ups and downs with my family help me to keep my focus on you. Amen.
Ron
Newhouse
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