Lk 12:49-53
I have come to bring fire upon the earth and how I wish it were already kindled; but I have a baptism to undergo and what anguish I feel until it is finished!
Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on, in one house five will be divided; three against two, and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
REFLECTION
The words of Jesus fit so well with the missionary intention of this month of October. Fire is light, warmth and a blaze. Jesus would like to spread this fire on earth to burn evil and sin, and to enlighten minds and to warm hearts.
In the History of Salvation the tongues of fire at Pentecost are the beginning of this universal expansion of the faith and love of Jesus. Yes, through the Holy Spirit, the salvation he acquired for us in his Death and Resurrection, will reach all countries and generations. Don’t we see flames in the heart of Jesus?
But Jesus also speaks of a personal baptism. This baptism is as well called “chalice” or cup to drink. This is a clear allusion to the Passion (Mk 10:38). Jesus longs for the summit of his life in which he will accomplish the Redemption of the world. From this baptism of blood will spring the baptism of fire in the Spirit that will purify, illuminate and sanctify humankind.
The preaching of this Gospel will provoke division in families, peoples and cultures. But these sufferings and persecutions will contribute to universal salvation.
Let us share his fire and baptism with an ardent desire of spreading the Gospel and anguish for the conversion of the world.
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