“But now,” he said, “if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” (Luke 22:36, NIV)
This passage is often misunderstood and misused—especially by those trying to justify violence, armed self-defense, or modern gun culture within Christianity. But a deeper, contextual, and Franciscan-Clarean response sees something very different.
✝️ A Franciscan Clarean Response to Luke 22:36
Jesus wasn’t arming his disciples for battle—he was warning them of persecution, and inviting them to prepare their hearts for what was about to unfold. The “sword” in this passage is not a call to violence—it is a symbol of the suffering, misunderstanding, and resistance they were about to face.
Francis of Assisi, who lived through political violence, war, and crusades, interpreted this passage not with a literal sword, but with radical peace. He laid down weapons, kissed lepers, and chose vulnerability instead of power.
Clare of Assisi also faced armed threats. But when soldiers came to her convent, she didn’t fight. She held up the Blessed Sacrament and trusted divine protection. Her faith—not a sword—defended her.
🔍 What Did Jesus Mean?
When read in light of the whole Gospel, especially the Sermon on the Mount (“blessed are the peacemakers”) and Jesus’ command to Peter to put away his sword just a few verses later in Luke 22:51, it becomes clear:
Jesus was not calling for literal violence. He was revealing the urgency and danger of discipleship.
He was saying:
- Be ready to travel (take a bag)
- Be prepared for sacrifice
- Know that following me will provoke empire
- And yes—prepare for rejection, betrayal, and even martyrdom
🕊️ A Franciscan Clarean Interpretation
If you don’t have a sword, buy one?
→ If you don’t have courage, seek it.
→ If you don’t have truth, hold to it.
→ If you don’t have love fierce enough to confront empire, cultivate it—even if it costs you your comfort.
In today’s world:
- Our “bag” might be a bug-out kit with herbal medicine and a psalm
- Our “purse” might be a heart of compassion
- Our “sword” is not a weapon—it is moral courage, spiritual clarity, truth spoken in the face of power
🙏 A Prayerful Response
Christ, you told your friends to be ready.
Not with weapons, but with willingness.
Not with violence, but with vision.
Teach us to pack our bags with kindness,
To carry truth like a torch,
And to wield peace as fiercely as others wield fear.
May we never raise a sword against your children—
But may we stand boldly against injustice,
Prepared to love even when it costs everything.
Amen.
Sister Abigail Hester 
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