Read: Ephesians 3:14-21, Ps. 33:1-2,4-5,11-12,18-19, Luke 12:49-53
“I came to cast fire upon the earth, and would that it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49)
Going through the Gospel passage of today, one might become confused as to what Jesus meant when he said he has come to cast fire on the earth and bring division rather than peace. This looks like a contradiction of what Jesus said in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
For us to understand the division Jesus is referring to, it is important to return to the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right-hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matthew 5:29-30)
When you are passionate about the things of God; when your heart is set on fire for Christ and you want to live your life according to his precepts, do you notice how certain persons begin to withdraw from you? In fact, there are certain relationships you may have had prior to that time that would suddenly die off because you have set out your heart to serve God.
It could even be that your closeness to your family members is preventing you from rising above certain sinful habits and you find yourself caught up in a trap. But the day you decide to make God your number one, you are faced with a tough choice, either to break loose of your family bonds or to remain there unable to grow spiritually. This is the division Christ is speaking about.
It is a division from the world but at the same time, it will bring Peace to your soul, a peace that the world itself does not understand. Peace is the joy of knowing Christ and living a life according to his commands.
That is the joy that St. Paul is referring to in today’s first reading: “I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.” (Ephesians 3:16-17)
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, rid me of whatever would keep me far from you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of week 29 in Ordinary Time, Bible Study: Ephesians 3:14-21, Ps. 33:1-2,4-5,11-12,18-19, Luke 12:49-53)
© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu