Thursday, XXIX week of Ordinary Time
(Luke 12:49-53)
With wildfires blazing in San Diego County as we hear this gospel, some may think that Jesus’ words about bringing a fire to earth are presently being fulfilled. But, of course, burning homes and destroying nature are not what Jesus has in mind here. Nor should we take him literally when he says that he has not come to bring peace to the world. Jesus remains the “Prince of Peace” whose coming was foretold by Zachariah as guiding the people into “the path of peace.”
The fire that Jesus starts is the desire in us to be morally good. Touched by his Spirit, we will no longer content ourselves with sexual gratification, monetary reward, or people snapping to our command. Instead, we will seek to be like God Himself who bends down to lift up the lowly. The division that Jesus envisions is not only the break-up of households into those who are for and against him but also the struggle that goes on with ourselves. We will resist the passionate call of our corrupted nature to sin.
Taking up the struggle to imitate God’s virtue, we begin to see how Jesus really does bring peace. With continued effort we are no longer divided within. Passionate craving disgusts us more than entices us. Seeking the good becomes our objective at every moment. We can even extend an olive branch to our family members who alienated themselves from us in our pursuit of righteousness. We see that the fire that Jesus has set in the world is the flame of love purifying us so that we might enjoy eternal life.
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