Gospel
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! There is a baptism I must still receive, and how great is my distress till it is over!
‘Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against three; the father divided against the son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’
(Luke 12:49–53)
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Points of interest and Catholic lore
- This text depicts an image of Jesus that contrasts the gentle, compassionate image of popular belief. It is just one example of Jesus displaying human emotion and passion for his cause.
- Fire is one of the symbols of the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to the disciples in the upper room in the form of tongues of flame.
- The baptism that Jesus is yet to experience is his death—his ‘baptism of fire’, or the persecution he will experience because of his commitment to fulfilling the will of the Father.
Exploring the Word
This is a difficult text to read because it challenges our notions of what Jesus was like. The imagery of fire that Jesus uses has a long history in the Old Testament, which frequently mentions people passing through the fire of testing and judgment. John had prophesied about the one who would come bringing a baptism of fire and judgment—but it never occurred to him that the same one would be the first to undergo that baptism! Furthermore, the rare glimpse into Jesus’ mind reveals an agonising mixture of impatience and reluctance. Knowing that God’s redemptive plan requires him to bring the fiery baptism of judgment upon earth—not by inflicting it on others but by undergoing it himself—Jesus feels restricted and thwarted until this mission can be accomplished.
The reference to households being divided could have been directed at Luke’s community itself. Faith in Jesus could indeed be the cause of division in families. Although Luke’s community was predominantly Gentile, it did include Jewish Christians. Some Jews failed to recognise Jesus as the Messiah, and in the late first century, they expelled Christians from their synagogues. To persist with a Christian belief would have caused great division.
- What causes you to have ‘a fire in your belly’? What are you passionate about?
- How do you engage with people who do not understand or accept your faith in Jesus?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
- Has your coming to faith in Christ caused division or awkwardness in your family or friends?
- Who are some people you know who have ‘a fire in their belly’, or who are passionate about their beliefs?
- Have you ever experienced a rift within your family? What was the cause of the division and hurt? How was this rift overcome? Or does it still need to be overcome? How can you help heal the pain and division? Share your stories.
- Reflect this week on the issues, situations or factors that divide your family or friends. Try to overcome these divisions and re-establish harmony.
- Use today’s collect as your prayer this week:
O God, who have prepared for those who love you
good things which no eye can see,
fill our heats, we pray, with the warmth of your love,
so that, loving you in all things and above all things,
we may attain your promises,
which surpass every human desire.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
The history of the Church contains numerous examples of division caused by faith, as well as numerous examples of an overly zealous defence of the faith. Some of these examples are heroic, while others are shameful to us now.
- You could discuss the early persecution of the Church by the Roman authorities, as well as introduce some of the great martyrs of the early church who faced death instead of renouncing their faith. Many of these martyrs are mentioned in the first eucharistic prayer. An online search will yield numerous stories about early martyrs.
- You could make comparisons with more recent examples of martyrdom or with people who had great faith, passion and zeal.
- You could discuss situations in which religion (not only Christianity) lies at the heart of conflict or tension. Extend this discussion to how God would wish such conflicts to be resolved. What lessons can we learn to resolve conflicts in our own lives or relationships?
Symbols and images
Like many symbols, fire can have both positive and negative connotations. It can be a painful and destructive force, or something to be feared and shunned. It can also be a purifying agent that burns away what is unwanted. Fire is also used in the testing of precious metals. In the Australian context, bushfire is the cause of death and destruction; however, it also causes the regeneration and new birth of many native species of flora.
Fire is also a symbol of passion, and it is often used in turns of phrase and concepts that capture this emotion—such as ‘fire in the belly’ or the fire of one’s love.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
- What passion for the faith is displayed in your own community? How can this passion be harnessed and directed? If passion is not present, how can it be ignited?
- Use a flame in an open bowl as a focus for prayer (a small piece of firelighter on a bed of sand in the bowl can be used). Pray for strength and passion. Pray for each other and for all who spread the Gospel. A suitable song could be Be Not Afraid (GA 449). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94A.