"I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already
blazing!” (Luke 12:49). The Gospel today contains three pronouncements regarding the nature of Jesus’ mission. The first is that he has come to cast fire on the earth. Fire is, most of the time, used as an image of God’s judgment, but ironically when it comes to the Pentecost (Acts 2:3), it signifies the purifying power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus wishes that the fire of the Holy Spirit had already been blazing so that the fire of God’s love was already burning in the hearts of the people.
There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! (Luke 12:50). The second pronouncement is about his own baptism, which is an allusion to his death or to the conflict and distress in which he would be immersed. To be baptized in the Holy Spirit is to embrace the values of the Kingdom, which most of the time are radically different from what the world offers. Which brings us to the third pronouncement about the division that his mission will cause: “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” (Luke 12:51).
Although the kingdom of God is characterized by reconciliation and peace, the announcement of that kingdom is always divisive because it requires decision and commitment. Though this announcement will indeed cause stress and division, Jesus will not shy away from it because it is the mission given to him by his Father. Anyone who commits himself/herself to Jesus must also then be prepared for the opposition that they will face and strive to remain faithful and persevere. The reason why the announcement of the kingdom brings division is because it calls for a radical change of heart and mind. It overturns our value system and calls us to a life that is challenging and, if lived fully, also challenges others. It calls for decision and commitment at every moment.
Reflecting on this, is the fire of the Holy Spirit ardently burning in your heart thus giving you the courage to face division with peace and security in God’s hands? – Fr. Cary