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 his resurrection and ultimately the one holy catholic and apostolic 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’s love. Jesus says, “There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!” The baptism is his crucifixion and death for us on the cross. 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 total glorious acceptance of this new life and grace from God. Through our Baptism and eventually our Confirmation, we too shall set the world 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.

 

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