MEDITATION TIPS (#265) 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
August 17, 2025

“Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division” (Luke 12:51).

　Today’s Gospel contains words from Jesus that, at first glance, seem to contradict His emphasis on love. However, we must consider the historical context of the time. During Jesus’ lifetime, Israel was under the rule of the Roman Empire. From the accession of Emperor Augustus in 27 BCE to the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius in 180 CE, there was no war for approximately 200 years, and people referred to this era as the “Pax Romana.” However, this was merely an absence of war within the empire, and it was a superficial peace built on the sacrifice of many slaves, the monopolization of wealth by a privileged class, and the decline of morality. Jesus’ appearance was a challenge to this false peace. Today’s Gospel implies that if we live with pure love like Jesus, conflicts, divisions with those around us, and persecution are inevitable.

　Throughout history, many people have been persecuted for preaching pure love like Jesus did. Even before Jesus, there was Mozi (c. 470 BC–c. 390 BC) in China who preached unconditional love for others. At that time, China believed in Confucianism, which originated with Confucius. Confucianism was based on “benevolence”, but it also presupposed a hierarchical class system. It placed the utmost importance on respecting ancestors and parents and cherishing family, but on the other hand, it tended to neglect love for others.

　Mozi thoroughly criticized Confucianism. He argued that all people, regardless of gender, poverty, or weakness, should be treated with equal respect, and he advocated “universal love” as opposed to Confucian benevolence. He also pointed out that while an individual who commits murder is punished, a ruler who invades another country and kills many people is not punished, but rather praised for bringing honor to his country. However, he argued that this was an act that should be condemned for lacking love. He advocated for valuing love toward enemy countries and abandoning hatred —only then, he said, could peace be achieved. And what if one is attacked? In such cases, Mozi proposed the principle of “non-aggression”, advocating for resolute defense without initiating violence. He also rejected extravagance, such as lavish funerals, and advocated frugality in both daily life and customs.

　However, when the Warring States period came to an end with the unification under the First Emperor Qin, Mozi’s school disappeared. It is believed that the reason for this was that Mozi’s ideas were considered radical anti-establishment theories that could not be tolerated in the society of the time, which was centered on Confucianism.

　Mozi’s teachings, such as unconditional love for others, are comparable to modern humanism and share similarities with the teachings of Jesus. Jesus was also considered a dangerous element in Jewish society under Roman rule, just like Mozi, and was executed on the cross. As a result, it seemed as if Jesus had disappeared, but his disciples carried on his teachings, and Christianity survived despite facing much persecution. Later, it became the state religion of the Roman Empire and spread throughout the world, thanks to the power of the faith in the resurrection, which was more than just ethical teachings.

 　　　　　(Contributed by Father Yutaka Akabae)