There has been so much in the news lately about out of control fires out west—and other places in our country. Fire terrifies and destroys, (just remember the loss of those nineteen Arizona fire-fighting team members a few years back!)—but those in the know about nature say that after a fire new life grows where the old was burned away; that fire is necessary for the new growth. (This is the pattern of salvation: death and resurrection.) Fire may kill; but can generate life; and it can also purify and refine. It can transform—do you remember that we are tested by the fire of our trials and (hopefully) transformed productively by them?
The Gospel Reading for this Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time contains a very difficult message to hear; Jesus says: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” He goes on to talk about His “baptism”—the cross—and His anguish until this “baptism” is accomplished. He speaks of the division that will be caused between (even) loved ones as a result of following in His path. Jesus kicks us in our complacency and self-contentment; we are confronted with decision and reckoning!
Today we hear things spelled out: you cannot follow Christ and promote war; you cannot compromise or make excuses with your time, talent and treasure. It sure was easier to follow Him when He only wished us peace! Jesus wants to divide us— not from each other—but from those things that keep us from Him and true love. Today we are reminded that the choices we must face as believers are difficult, yet the Psalm verses tell us that we are not alone in all our struggles, the Lord will hear our cries and deliver us.
Today is about the decision to let God start the fire in us, that our passion for our faith will burn away the debris of sin—all the greed, pride, lust and apathy. God, today, doesn’t advocate lukewarm! He wants to send down His spiritual fire into our hearts that we may live with conviction, integrity, fervor and commitment for the kingdom. Today we pray to receive the grace of this fire, and the courage to answer “Here I Am, Lord!” Be Not Afraid!
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
The Gospel Reading for this Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time contains a very difficult message to hear; Jesus says: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” He goes on to talk about His “baptism”—the cross—and His anguish until this “baptism” is accomplished. He speaks of the division that will be caused between (even) loved ones as a result of following in His path. Jesus kicks us in our complacency and self-contentment; we are confronted with decision and reckoning!
Today we hear things spelled out: you cannot follow Christ and promote war; you cannot compromise or make excuses with your time, talent and treasure. It sure was easier to follow Him when He only wished us peace! Jesus wants to divide us— not from each other—but from those things that keep us from Him and true love. Today we are reminded that the choices we must face as believers are difficult, yet the Psalm verses tell us that we are not alone in all our struggles, the Lord will hear our cries and deliver us.
Today is about the decision to let God start the fire in us, that our passion for our faith will burn away the debris of sin—all the greed, pride, lust and apathy. God, today, doesn’t advocate lukewarm! He wants to send down His spiritual fire into our hearts that we may live with conviction, integrity, fervor and commitment for the kingdom. Today we pray to receive the grace of this fire, and the courage to answer “Here I Am, Lord!” Be Not Afraid!
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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