Living In A Luke 12:53 Moment

Living in a Luke 12:53 moment? I use that term to refer broadly to our current cultural milieu. We live in a time when we find serious division, even within families, over many current issues. In the Gospel, Jesus refers to differences between those who follow Him, and those who do not.

…henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. (Luke 12:52-53)

Of course, differences within families and other groups have existed since Jesus walked the earth. And now we live in a time characterized by extreme division on so many levels.  

Living in a Luke 12:53 Moment Regarding Our Catholic Faith

Even before the lockdowns and capacity restrictions on attendance, only about a fifth of nominal Catholics attended Mass weekly.  Less than half attended Mass at least monthly. Thus, some within the same household, in following their Catholic faith, might be attending Mass and receiving the Sacraments far more regularly than others. Similarly, some family members may take any number of Church teachings more seriously than other family members. Some may believe that Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church represent clear guidance to live by. Others may see them only as rough guidelines, if they refer to them at all for their personal decision-making. Yet others may pick and choose among the moral teachings of the Church, following those they like, and ignoring those they do not. These represent potential issues for living in a Luke 12:53 moment.

Do you want to raise the heat in the room during a dinner? Try discussing abortion. Or, perhaps, mention receiving Communion in the state of mortal sin. And, if you want some serious fireworks, bring up these two topics, together with a discussion on politics. Although it may work to get rid of the guests so you can head to bed earlier, it won’t be pleasant. Attempts to discuss differences in beliefs regarding even basic matters of faith can escalate to a Luke 12:53 moment quite rapidly. Some individuals simply refuse to engage in dialogue.

Politics and Living in a Luke 12:53 Moment

Any mention of political issues in a family setting nowadays means your family might quickly be living in a Luke 12:53 moment. This holds true for Catholics of all stripes. Mention one party or the other, and unless you all belong to the same party, the conversation goes one of two ways. It either quickly devolves to an emotional rant, or it stops because one or both parties choose not to dialogue. They prefer not to explore the similarities and differences of their interests. This reflects the broader American culture at this time where huge divisions exist and no one wants to bridge the abyss. In fact, the tech giants do their part to eliminate discourse online. If videos, tweets or posts disagree with the mainstream views, they become labeled as fake or inappropriate, and are taken down, leaving only the mainstream news views.

Apparently many people make the mainstream media their primary source of information about the world. As a result, they believe only what they see on the major network and social media platforms. This results in huge differences in information held by them, vis-a-vis information held by others who look elsewhere for confirmation of what’s going on. And people aren’t willing to explore alternative explanations with anyone.

Some of us believe these differences we’re seeing are much more basic than party platforms or candidates’ charismas. What we’re engaged in is a war between good and evil. Regardless of where we come down on an issue, the enemy is in our midst, working hard to separate us from one another, and from God. The Greek term for this creature, dia-bolos, means “the one who divides,” after all. From all appearances, he’s doing a good job of it.

Vaccinations: Living in a Luke 12:53 Moment

Consider the current focus on masking, distancing, and vaccines for the virus we face. Lately it seems that my various health care providers all want to know if I’ve taken the vaccine yet. Those who believe in the vaccine see it as the answer to many prayers, as the key to freedom going forward. They see masks and distancing as critical tools to use until everyone on the planet receives the vaccine. However, the media bans many articles and studies suggesting that the vaccine, masking, distancing, etc. are not what they’re cracked up to be. People who follow mainstream explanations see any attempt at disaffirmation as a hoax or quackery. Here again, deep divides exist between those who believe the vaccines are efficacious, safe and necessary, and the unconvinced. Unfortunately, we see many families living in a Luke 12:53 moment over the virus and vaccination.

In fact, many holiday gatherings have seen the refusal of some family members to attend unless everyone masked up. A high probability exists that the same mask devotees soon will demand proof of inoculation from the rest of their family to attend the next meal. But, what if you aren’t in favor of taking the vaccine? Don’t be surprised if one of your family members turns you in as a holdout in the future. They’re probably just doing what they think is best for you (and them), based on what they’ve consumed from the mainstream media. No matter which side you come down on, even if you want to explain your position logically, don’t count on a meaningful dialogue.

Dealing with Family Divisions

It doesn’t matter where you stand on any of the issues I’ve mentioned. Just consider yourselves blessed if your family remains unified, even with differences of opinion among the family members on these issues. More and more families, though, are finding fissures in the foundation of the family unit. If you are one of them, you already may have tried resolving differences, albeit with less than outstanding success. What to do, then? For one thing, monitor your own behaviors to avoid creating a wider crevasse. Be charitable in your responses, and be open to discussion.

For another, pray. You and I are engaged in a raging spiritual war. Offer up your concerns to Our Heavenly Father, united with Jesus Christ crucified, for your intentions. Pray for reconciliation within, unification of, and forgiveness among, your family as part of your Rosary intentions. The demons are behind the divisions we’re experiencing, and Our Lady always defeats the demons. The late Fr. Gabriele Amorth, the exorcist, related that, “Satan told me…’Every Hail Mary of the Rosary is a blow to the head of me; if Christians knew the power of the Rosary, it would be the end of me!'” So, let’s pray the Rosary more frequently, fervently and devoutly, and defeat the demons with it.

In this, the Year of St. Joseph, call on him for assistance. Not only is he the “Terror of Demons,” but he’s also the “Pillar of Families.” St. Joseph, as head of the Holy Family, is a powerful intercessor. In fact, Pope Leo XIII composed a prayer to him to pray at the end of the Rosary that you may wish to add to your Rosary. Consider as well, praying to the Holy Family for your family.

In any event, never give up. With God all things are possible.