Reflections on Scripture | Thursday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
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.”

Reflection
Jesus chooses a a radical image of fire to describe his work, and fire is seemingly something that we would say destroys things, but he's saying no, it's also a thing that purifies. It burns out all impurities. We cling to our impurities, our half truths, our lies. So what he's saying is that if you're going to engage in this work of the Kingdom, you're going to be engaged in a transformative work that feels like death.

And those who refuse to die hate those that are calling them to new life.

Closing Prayer
Father, the work of the kingdom is truly a work of transformation. Help us to be patient with one another as we, each of us, struggle with the transformation that is required of us not to judge those who resist, but just long for their transformation. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross