Monday 11 July

St Benedict , Abbot

Exodus1:8-14,22, Ps124,
Matt 10:34-11:1

Not peace but the sword

The conflict and division associated with Jesus’ word comes from the different receptions it receives. Jesus does not promise his disciples a peaceful life, in fact if we live the gospel, it can sometimes be anything but. St.Benedict himself split from his monks at Subiaco because they were not living the Rule seriously. He started again elsewhere. Living the gospel is a struggle, both with our weakness and hostile elements, possibly even in our own household.