I came to bring fire

Jer. 38:4-6.8-10, Heb. 12:1-4, Lk. 12:49-53. On this Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the Church reminds us that life is not always filled with happiness. Our journey is like a rose plant; it is sometimes beautiful to view, but there are sharp thorns attached which may cause us pain. In today's first reading, the prophet Jeremiah suffered grave injustice, for his message was so discomforting to the leaders. Their best option was to conspire and get rid of him. Thus, Jeremiah felt abandoned by everyone: by friends, family members and even by God who promised him protection (Jer. 1:8). What happened to Jeremiah is not an isolated incident, for all those who proclaim the word of God are always being persecuted and sometimes feel being abandoned. Their message, sooner or later, clashes with the interests of the powerful and they will begin to persecute them. They make every effort to silence them or even eliminate them. In ancient times, they resorted to physical violence. Today they continue to face exclusion, contempt, denigration and threats. Just think about what happens to those who dare to criticise the improper conduct of those in power, those who denounce injustice, theft and dishonesty at work and reject violence to restore justice.

Hence, we must not give up even if we are crushed. That is why the author of today's second reading encourages us to keep running steadily. Today, we are challenged to emulate Christ’s zeal and courage during difficult moments in life. Hence, in the face of oppositions, we must be firm. The strength and energy, the vibe and vigour we need to do all these will definitely be supplied by Jesus Christ as He assures us in today's Gospel: “I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled”. Does Jesus want to destroy us with this same fire? No, the fire that Jesus brings is different. It is the fire of the Holy Spirit, which purifies our souls from evil and saves us. The fire He wishes to bring is very positive and objective. It is the fire that is meant to consume the debris and fabrics of inordinate attachments, immorality, injustice and corruption in our lives, communities and the world at large. Jesus speaks of misunderstandings between generations of young and old; among those living in the same house, He also quotes a passage from the prophet Micah (7:6). The prophet understood that the birth of the new world would not have occurred peacefully and painlessly and that there would be painful lacerations. Peace founded on lies and injustice cannot be favoured. It must at times provoke healthy divisions with much love and without offending anyone. One must not confuse hatred, violence, offensive and arrogant words, which are incompatible with the Christian choice, with the honest challenge, disagreements that arise from new, evangelical proposals. These are needed, even if painful, especially when involving members of the same family.

May the Lord continue to guide and strengthen in us the faith we have received, empower us to persevere through difficulties and obstacles of life and look forward to the eternal happiness He promised! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!