There is an interesting word in Japanese.
It is called “Dokkiri”!

“Dokkiri” comes from “doki” which means a heartbeat or pounding of the heart.

Thus, “Dokkiri” is a word which means “something like a surprise that makes one’s heart pound, usually like a scary surprise”.

“Dokkiri Camera Show” was something quite popular as a street prank for surprising people on the street by doing something scary to make them scream or react in a heart-stopping manner.

Well, the Gospel of the Day begins with a statement that seems something like a “Dokkiri” – surprising enough to make one’s heart, skip a beat!
Jesus says, “Do not think I have come to bring peace on the earth…!” (Mt 10: 34)

Now that is indeed, quite a surprising statement, isn’t it?

Come to think of it:
 Jesus is the Prince of Peace…
 He is the Lord of all consolation…
 He is the mighty source of serenity…

But now we hear something strange…
It’s something like a “Dokkiri” effect that Jesus renders – “Do not think I have come to bring peace on the earth…!”

We usually bracket Jesus in a framework which is very sweet, gentle and lovable…
• Sweet to forgive others…
• Gentle in accepting the rejected of the society…
• Lovable in healing in sick and feeding the hungry…

But the image that we now get of Jesus is pretty different and straight-forward…
• He speaks of being a cause of division
• He speaks of bringing not peace, but a sword

The Messianic understanding of the Jews was very much earthly and restricted to this-world.

The Scriptures spoke greatly regarding the coming of the Messiah:
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and His Name will be called Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”  (Is 9:6)

The Jews had a notion of great external peace and prosperity when the Messiah comes.
Probably, the disciples of the Lord also had the same understanding.

But Jesus goes on to say that His coming would also result in “a divisive experience”…

This is the “sword” that the Lord speaks of…
• A “sword” that would divide the people of God from the people of the worldly ways
• A “sword” that would separate the values of the Gospel from the standards of the world
• A “sword” that would cause oppositions & persecutions  to rise against the Kingdom of God

Every follower of Christ will have to undergo this “sword” experience.

 When we remain firm in the teachings of Christ, there will rise many voices against us
 When we hold fast to practising the virtues of Christ, there will be many who desert us
 When we be steadfast to the Will of God, there will arise many opposing satanic powers

There are many Christians who, perhaps, may not like this “demanding” Christ.

But, Jesus is not afraid to cause a “Dokkiri” effect in our lives – surprising us with a challenge that causes us to make radical changes!

May we submit ourselves to this “Demanding” Christ and make suitable changes in our lives, so that we may truly experience the “real” peace and harmony that comes from the Lord alone!

God Bless! Live Jesus!