26 October, 2023 | Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Lk 12:49-53

How to get on fire...

Jesus said to his disciples:

"I have come to set the earth on fire,

and how I wish it were already blazing!

There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,

and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!

Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?

No, I tell you, but rather division.

From now on a household of five will be divided,

three against two and two against three;

a father will be divided against his son

and a son against his father,

a mother against her daughter

and a daughter against her mother,

a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law

and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

Reflections:

Jesus speaks of fire and division in today’s Gospel. The fire of love and peace which Jesus came to bring to us could also cause division which is required. Living for Christ requires standing firm in our faith,

even when we face conflict and disagreement within our own families. No matter what situation we

are in, we can trust that Jesus is always with us, helping us to work through difficulties we face in the

world. Even when we face challenges, we should never be reluctant to speak of the Gospel truths. God will protect us as we stand up for the Gospel. We are called to be unafraid of the purifying fire of sufferings.

Activity: 

Rededicate today to follow the way of Jesus, and not of the world.