October 23, 2025
St. John of Capistrano
Pursue Peace in Jesus
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on earth?
Luke 12:51

I’m going to be honest here, but, yeah, Jesus, I sort of did think that. This is one of the more challenging Gospel passages because it seems to contradict with the image of Jesus as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:5). However, as I pray over this Scripture, I start to consider that while Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the peace he offers is different than worldly peace. His peace means trusting in him and loving as radically as he did—but not necessarily the absence of conflict in human relationships.

Choosing Jesus will bring true peace, but it may bear other consequences. This passage reminds us that following Jesus and aligning with God’s will may cause division in our broken world.

Jesus, let me pursue the peace that is you even if it brings me strife.

- Kate Wicker

Romans 6:19-23 ✚ Psalm 1:1-4, 6 ✚ Luke 12:49-53
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Comments

Scott
October 23, 2025 at 12:50 PM

Greeting this afternoon, Kate you had one of the more challenging New Testament lessons to put your devotional words in. Great reflection, thanks be to the Creator. Kate’s words of wisdom gave me the opportunity to complete my last page of a journal I have been using for a long time. I remember the times that I had long arguments with my earthly father. The times I have a long argument with me dad while taking care of him until 300am and sometimes until 1030a and other times from morning to noon. The times he yelled at me to get...
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Patrick
October 23, 2025 at 11:55 AM

In the midst of strife, whatever form it takes it’s important to maintain our inner peace and stay calm. ——— Not easy to do for sure, St. Paul offers us advice when he wrote, “Don’t worry about anything. No matter what happens, tell God about everything. Ask and pray, and give thanks to him. Then God’s peace will watch over your hearts and your minds. He will do this because you belong to Christ Jesus. God’s peace can never be completely understood.”Philippians 4:6-7

Jeff M
October 23, 2025 at 10:26 AM

When I think of Jesus' peace,I know that, no matter how difficult my life has been in the past or what difficulties I may now face, Jesus has always been there to strengthen me and guide me through these tough times. That brings me great peace, even in the worst times. He is always there for me. How can I not feel great peace?

freeter
October 23, 2025 at 10:13 AM

Amen.

PeggyR
October 23, 2025 at 10:10 AM

Perhaps if we follow the core message of Jesus’ Gospel, trust God and love without conditions, we might be closer to His Heavenly peace. We are all part of His divine plan and let’s leave the rest up to Him. Peace to the LFF and prayers for those who may be experiencing food insecurity in our country and throughout the world.

ADV
October 23, 2025 at 09:42 AM

AMEN!

CBR
October 23, 2025 at 09:08 AM

Amen Amen Amen God bless us all ????????????

Salina (not in control)
October 24, 2025 at 07:57 AM

CBR’s question marks were probably emojis of some kind like praying hands that this site does not register…

Scott
October 23, 2025 at 06:07 PM

God bless us always with peace. Prayers that we will get peace in all places where we live and work. Many questions to this, many more question marks for all. Let us do the work of sharing the good news when we are able by being kind to our neighbors, showing mercy to others and always walk humbly the best way we are led by a peace love.

Anne L.
October 23, 2025 at 08:50 AM

The peace that Jesus brings even in the midst of conflict is not the peace of the absence of conflict that the world strives for. The peace of Jesus that he places in our hearts and minds and very being, is beyond human understanding and is received in faith. As a 12 year old Jesus spoke his promise of peace to me in the Eucharist and it was a message that I have never forgotten. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let...
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Holly
October 23, 2025 at 08:48 AM

Amen!

Gary
October 23, 2025 at 08:28 AM

Amen!

Sandy KI
October 23, 2025 at 08:27 AM

I had to go to the footnote to fully understand today's scripture and it aligns with your comforting reflection, Kate. I believe until we unite we will continue to feel the "fire". May God's love reign over us all and have a blessed day. * [12:49–53] Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom is a refining and purifying fire. His message that meets with acceptance or rejection will be a source of conflict and dissension even within families.

Bill S
October 23, 2025 at 07:58 AM

When I read this passage, it brings me to the reality that there’s division amongst religions and even in our own families. There’s certainly division within our own Catholic Church. Recently I heard about a split in the Anglican Church. Beyond those divisions, there’s a continued persecution of Christians around the world, especially in Africa. So Jesus knew exactly what he was saying when he spoke those words. Let’s continue to pray for an end to religious persecution and for unity in the Body of Christ. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We know he is the...
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Stormi
October 23, 2025 at 07:49 AM

Kate thank you for those words. This is one of the hardest passages for me. My heart breaks just reading it. Coming from never having a family growing up that loved me I can't imagine abandoning a family that does love you. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days. May the Holy Tiniry fill the hearts of all to guide us to a heavenly earth.

Salina (not in control)
October 23, 2025 at 06:35 AM

Fear is “What if?” Faith is “Even if!” *** Daniel 3:16-18, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him. They said, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we don’t need to talk about this anymore. We might be thrown into the blazing furnace. But the God we serve is able to bring us out of it alive. He will save us from your power. But we want you to know this, Your Majesty. Even if we knew that our God wouldn’t save us, we still wouldn’t serve your gods. We wouldn’t worship the gold statue you set up.”

Salina (not in control)
October 23, 2025 at 07:02 AM

Loved, “Jesus, let me pursue the peace that is you even if it brings me (and the world) strife!l” *** Jesus is the Prince of Peace…sacrificing Himself on the cross for us so we can choose Jesus over sin and that means life with God eternally! *** What is the source of God’s peace? John 14:27, “I (Jesus) leave My peace with you. I give My peace to you. I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled. And do not be afraid!” *** How do I receive God’s peace? Philippians...
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Cheryl
October 23, 2025 at 06:02 AM

Amen... thank you Kate... we always need a reminder of the heavenly peace our Lord and Saviour wants for us

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