Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!”

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 12:49-53

 

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.”

 

What is this baptism that Christ talks about in today’s gospel reading? The baptism is his Pascal Mystery. The sacrifice which he makes for us on the cross. Through this sacrifice, he brings forth the church. But the reading also says that Jesus came to set the earth on fire and to cause division and turmoil within families. At first read, one might conclude that Jesus was a trouble maker and then you realize - that is exactly what he was. The fire that Christ brought to earth is the burning love of God, the Holy Spirit which sets our soul on fire. This fire of the Holy Spirit was brought to us through Christ’s baptism on the cross and is now given to us in our own baptism. We are all called to receive and live in the fire of God. Jesus says, “There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!” What is this baptism that Jesus refers to in this passage? It is his crucifixion and death for us. “God so loved the world that he gave his only son” (John 3:16). He calls this the ultimate gift and sacrifice, a baptism because he conquered sin and death to never die again. Through our Baptism, the fire of the Holy Spirit is placed within us to never die again and through our Confirmation, the Holy Spirit is revealed to the world. Our Baptism and Confirmation then become the same glorious acceptance of this new life and grace from God. Through our Baptism and eventually our Confirmation, we too shall become set on fire. We are called to spread our fire to others so that they may see the salvation of Christ. It is not enough to sit back and let the small flame kindle with us. We need to fan the fire until we are burning with Christ. Christ’s love should be overflowing in us and from us.

 

Jesus said, “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.” This seems to be contradictory to his mission. In actuality, Jesus did come to bring peace and joy to the world. But sometimes, he needed to shock his disciples so they would understand the message and the importance of their mission. Jesus hoped that his mission on earth would unite all men in peace and harmony in God the Father. But unfortunately man is filled with sin and hatred and he refuses to let the fire of God grow within them. This may even happen within your family. We are called to place our relationship with God above all others, even in front of our own family. If this causes division, we are to choose God over our family. We do this not to create hatred and division, but to hopefully lead them to Christ through our own actions and examples. Many families became divided over Christ, but through the true love and compassion of God, these families can become reunited in the Holy Spirit.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, you are the fire which lights my soul.

May your fire consume me with your love.

May your fire flow outside me to others.

May I put you before all others.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon