Aiming First at God’s Peace – Jul 14 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jul 14, 2025, where he explains that Jesus prioritizes spiritual peace with God over worldly peace, urging believers to put faith first despite challenges.

Father delves into Jesus’ challenging words in Matthew 10:34, where He declares He came not to bring peace but a sword, contrasting this with His call for peacemakers in Matthew 5:9 and His promise of peace in John 14:27. He explains that Christ’s peace is about friendship and reconciliation with God, not merely earthly harmony. Referencing Sirach 39:30, Isaiah 66:16, and Micah 7:6-7, Father shows how the gospel divides those who accept it from those who reject it, as St. Thomas Aquinas notes, “Whatever is received is received according to the mode of the receiver.” He stresses that prioritizing God over family or friends, as in Matthew 10:37, means avoiding sin, even in tough situations like skipping Mass for family or attending immoral events. Father cites 1 John 5:3 to emphasize that love for God is shown through obedience, not feelings. He warns that compromising faith for others’ approval disrupts God’s peace, per the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Quoting St. John Chrysostom, he likens sin to a cancer that must be removed for true peace, aligning with the Church’s teachings (CCC 1849 on sin). Jesus’ call to take up the cross (Matthew 10:38) and lose one’s life for Him (Matthew 10:39) promises fulfillment. Father concludes by urging prayers to Mary for faith and love for God, who loves us unconditionally (CCC 1822).

For Further Reading

Matthew 10:34 - NAB - Jesus brings a sword, not peace - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/10?34
Matthew 5:9 - NAB - Blessed are the peacemakers - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/5?9
John 14:27 - NAB - Christ’s peace surpasses worldly peace - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14?27
Sirach 39:30 - NAB - Sword punishing the ungodly - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/sirach/39?30
Isaiah 66:16 - NAB - Lord’s judgment by fire, sword - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/66?16
Micah 7:6-7 - NAB - Division within families, trust in God - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/micah/7?6
1 John 5:3 - NAB - Love means keeping God’s commandments - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/5?3
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1849 - Sin as offense against God - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a8.htm#1849
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1822 - God’s love as charity - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a7.htm#1822
Catholic Answers - God’s Love for You - Explains God’s unconditional love - https://www.catholic.com/tract/gods-love-for-you

00:00 - Introduction to homily
00:56 - Christ’s peace explained
01:55 - Prioritizing allegiance to God
02:24 - Biblical references explained
03:08 - Gospel’s divisive impact
04:46 - Removing sin for peace
06:06 - Faith over worldly ties
08:32 - Fulfillment through Christ
Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Kateri Tekakwitha - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=154
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/071425.cfm

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