separation theology
“I have come to set a man at odds with his father, a daughter with her mother.” —Matthew 10:35
Jesus bluntly declares: “Do not suppose that My mission on earth is to spread peace. My mission is to spread, not peace, but division” (Mt 10:34).
Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Is 9:5), and in fact He is Peace (Eph 2:14; Mi 5:4). Therefore, His nature is to spread peace. However, original sin has badly warped our human nature. In His mercy, Jesus has come to divide, that is, separate, us from all that opposes His ultimate ministry of peace:
• He divides us from attitudes, sins, and lifestyles that oppose His justice and peace. If necessary, His ministry of division might include separating Himself from our prayers (see Is 1:15).
• Separating family members might be necessary for a while. Lasting peace can’t be built on a weak foundation (see Mt 7:26-27).
• Daniel separated two people so He could arrive at truth and ultimate peace (Dn 13:51). Likewise, Jesus sometimes separates people to promote the truth (see 1 Cor 11:19).
• As a parent separates two fighting children, putting them into separate rooms, so Jesus may need to “separate” families in order to mysteriously bring His peace (Mt 10:34).
At the first creation, the Lord “separated” things (Gn 1:4, 7, 14, 18). His separation resulted in a beautiful, new world. So do not fear if you’ve endured the pain of separation. Jesus is just beginning a new creation greater than you can imagine (Eph 3:20).
Prayer: Jesus, Prince of Peace, separate me from anything which might separate me from You in this life or in eternity.
Promise: “He who brings Himself to nought for Me discovers who he is.” —Mt 10:39
Praise: King Henry fostered positive Church reform.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from June 1, 2020 through July 31, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 18, 2019"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.