Would you trade places with Jeremiah in the cistern?  Do you want to “… preserve in running the race that lies before us ….?”  Do you want the Lord to come to your aid?

Do you think our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has come to bring peace or division?  Do you think Jesus has “… come to set the earth on fire ….”

Today’s scripture readings present us with difficulty, with some challenges.  One of the key words in our readings is FIRE.

 

What does Divine FIRE mean?

In the Hebrew Scriptures it meant the presence of God.  Think back to Moses and the Burning Bush, Israel meeting the Divine FIRE at Carmel and [then] going back to their faith.  Several times in the Hebrew Scriptures FIRE = the DIVINE.

How many xs have you heard someone refer to an athlete who has fire in her or his belly?  In the Gospel Jesus challenges us with FIRE, meaning, “How has living the Gospel challenged and transformed you?  [The Word, America Magazine, 8/18/19]

Today’s Scripture TRUTH is difficult to handle, we are called to fix our eyes, hearts and wills on Jesus and to do His Will all the time.  Jesus came to set the earth on FIRE, meaning you and I need to have Jesus front and center in everything we do!  You and I are the light of Christ in the darkness of our world.

What kind of light are we shining?

In an attempt to fit in socially we fail to show and share our faith, do we bless ourselves and say grace when we dine either at a fast food or high-end restaurant.  Our lives should be a candle shining brightly.

St. Luke “… reminds us that everything we have is temporary and that we will have to account for ourselves when we meet Christ.  A disciple’s path … is to take what God has given and use it for humble service.  The servant who … lives a life of material detachment and care for others will flourish at the Lord’s return.”

[America Magazine, “Everything we have is temporary “, 8/12/19]

Do you have FIRE in your belly for the Lord?  Is the Divine FIRE consuming you?

May God Be Praised!  [Part of Homily Cycle C 8/18/19]