Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ, what do we expect Jesus to bring into our lives? While we may list many things, we surely hope that our Saviour will bring peace and blessings to every one of us as His disciples and to the world.

We believe that our God is Emmanuel, God with us, and that He is almighty and His love everlasting. We believe that He creates us according to His image and likeness; and that He calls each to grow as a person of faith and into the fullness of our humanity.

Alas, what we see happening in our world today are wars, suffering, ongoing violence, increased injustice, inhumane conditions, and destruction of the environment.

In this week’s gospel Jesus’ teaching seems not to meet our expectations of peace and joy.

Indeed, Jesus’ words are rather startling. We hear Jesus say, “I have come to bring fire to the earth. . . Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!” It sounds harsh and it unsettles us. Certainly, we know that Jesus himself experienced antagonism, rejection and a violent death.

The fire that Jesus sets on the earth is a purifying fire. It may indeed cause pain and suffering, as it did for Jesus.  We are called to live our faith in Jesus Christ, allowing His life to penetrate ours as we continue to witness the gospel, despite whatever difficulties confront us. But Jesus would have us clearly realise that our commitment as His followers will sometimes meet with tension, disagreement, antagonism and even violence. We are to persevere nonetheless, and to hold true and firm to our faith in Jesus and the defence of His teachings.

Jesus continues, “There is a baptism I must receive and great is my distress till it is over.” Jesus, having become one like us in all things but sin, knows our human condition very deeply. For love of us and for our salvation, Jesus bore the cross on His shoulders and carried it to His crucifixion, so that we may receive and celebrate new life through His resurrection.

The peace that Jesus wants to share with us is the peace of love coming from God, not like the peace the world offers. It is a peace the world cannot give.

The fire the Lord has brought into the world is the fire that cleanses and purifies us, enabling us to move forward courageously and without fear to share God’s love and peace, despite whatever opposition we may encounter.

Jesus brings the Good News that God is always with us. Saint Paul encourages us, “Let us not lose sight of Jesus, who leads us in our faith.” So, stay firm in our faith and remain united with the Lord, because hope in the Lord never disappoints us.

God bless you all. Amen.

Redempt Jawa CSsR

© Majellan Media 2025