Gospel: Luke 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; motherin- law against her daughter in- law, and daughter-inlaw against her mother in- law.”
Reflection:
"He came to bring fire upon the earth.”
The Franciscan John of Capistrano was a fiery preacher, who followed the rigor and asceticism of Saint Bernardine of Siena. John became the Apostle to Bohemia, as he devoted much of his itinerant preaching to Eastern Europe. He was active at a time when countries were devasted by plague and political conflict, and while there was much religious division in the Church. Moreover, there was growing religious apathy and confusion about the Christian faith among the people. In response to this confusion, Saint John vigorously preached the faith in a manner that was unwilling to compromise with error. A clear message will be more likely to elicit a reaction, though not all might accept it. We see this also in Christ’s preaching. “Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” Christ did not come to bring a false peace of apathy, but rather to wake people up. He came to “bring fire upon the earth,” to ignite people into and respond to his call, accepting that some would reject his message. Lord, help us to speak the truth with love, and to speak up for our faith.
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