Christ’s fire and division
Rom. 6-19-23; Psalm 1; Luke 12:49-53
Jesus says in today’s gospel reading that he has come to cast fire upon the earth and that it has already been kindled. Again, he said he has not come to bring peace but division. By popular consensus, this is unlike Jesus. From the Scriptures, Jesus is a man of peace and unity. Why fire and division?
Christ’s fire refers to spiritual enthusiasm. Spiritual enthusiasm counterbalances apathy and boredom. One who is spiritually enthused does regard the mass as boring. Even the silent period or period of mediation becomes an opportunity for spiritual elevation.
On the other hand, Christ’s division sets us apart. We are set apart not to fall apart but to impart. Be zealous and make an impact on others. Again, Christ says, he has not come to bring peace but war. True peace is a life that is built on goodness and justice. There is no true peace when we keep the peace rather than serve the peace. We keep the peace when we hide the truth for people not to be offended. But we serve the peace when we speak the truth, regardless of who is hurt.
Peace without justice is what M.K.O. Abiola calls the “peace of the graveyard.” The graveyard is peaceful because all the inhabitants are dead. But we are not dead yet. So, if we must have peace, we must oppose injustice and evil. St. Paul reminds us in the first reading that we are going to face the consequences of our actions. Therefore, let us do what is right to rescue our world and save our souls.
Let us pray.
Almighty, ever-living God, grant that we may always conform our will to yours and serve your majesty with sincerity of heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen!
