Christ came to cast fire on the earth

8/17/25

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." Luke 12:49-53

These words seem strange coming from Jesus. He entered this world as a baby, the Prince of Peace. He spoke of love, mercy and forgiveness. Why is He speaking of fire and division? Jesus came into a sinful world. His message would not always be accepted. He wants to cast a fire upon the earth to purify us and burn away everyhting that is not of God.

Do you know God as Your Father?
Take some quiet time each day and sit in His Presence. As you rest with Him, imagine He is holding you tenderly. Tell him what is on your heart. Share with Him your needs, troubles, worries, and pain. Ask Him to make Himself known to you in the midst of your sufferings. Allow Him to console you and give you His peace.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through Him.  John 3:17

God is love. He does not condemn us. He gave us His only Son so that we would have eternal life. God's love is a free gift to the world, the gift of His dearly Beloved Son.

And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 1 John 5:11

Do you know Jesus as your friend?
Talk to Jesus as you would talk to a friend. Take some quiet time in Eucharistic adoration, in a chapel or in your home. Ask Him to come to you. Open your heart and let Him love you. Speak to Him as you would a dear friend. He wants you to know Him intimately.

So let us confidently approach the Throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. Hebrews 4:16

How do you come to know Jesus and yourself better?
Go to confession often. When you approach the Throne of grace, Jesus is waiting there for you. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, you are speaking to Jesus. It is there, you receive forgiveness, mercy and healing. When the priest extends his hands and gives you absolution, Jesus heals you and showers you with sanctifying grace which gives you strength and helps you go out and sin no more. When you receive the graces of this Sacrament often, Jesus helps you to come to know yourself better. In this way, He helps you let go of sin and attachments and develop virtues in your soul.

In this is love; not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as expiation for sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we must also love one another. 1 John 4:10-11

"I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” Luke 12:49