A Earth Set on Fire

Gospel Thoughts

29th Week : Thursday

GOSPEL Luke 12:49-53

First Reading - Eph 3:14-21

*A Earth Set on Fire*

*I have come to set the earth on fire*

*1) Setting Fire appears to be Negative, But in this context it is very positive*

When we hear that some one has set fire for something, immediately we think about destruction, loss and end of something

But setting fire and fire itself has a positive meaning in the biblical language and context. 

In the context when Jesus speaks, it is very clear that *setting fire has* a very deep positive meaning and not negative meaning

*2) Burning fire makes us very alert*

The moment we see fire we become alert. We carefully deal with fire. We can't play with fire. 

So fire makes us very alert and quick to act in a perticular situation. No one sleeps peacefully when there is burning fire near by

*3) Fire has the quality of burning*

Anything that you throw into the burning fire, it simply burns. It turns into ashes. 

Usually we collect all unwanted things from our living surroundings and we set fire to it

So this fire will destroy all unwanted things 

This fire will clean the entire surroundings

Fire will give new look to a perticular place.

*4) Fire has the quality to transform something*

Anything you put, the fire transforms into ashes

Fire has the great quality of transforming something

*5) Fire gives us light*

Without light we can't survive. Wherever there is fire there is light. Fire and light go together. 

To avoid the accidents, casualties, problems we need light, specially in the night. Moreover spiritual light is more important than anything in life. 

*6) Fire gives us heat*

No being can survive without heat. If there is no heat means, the person or animal is already dead. 

So the fire in the body means, life in the body. In this sense *Fire* is equal to *Life*

Fire is one of the Five Basic elements (Air, water, fire, Earth and Aether) which is very necessary for the universe

*7) The Speciality of Jesus' Fire*

The fire set by Jesus will make us alert, active, creative, vigilant and cautious. 

The fire set by Jesus will help us to burn many things like, sins, jealousy pride, arrogance, intolerance and all bad habits 

The fire set by Jesus will make to transform our life and make our life better 

The fire set by Jesus will help us get sufficient light, to move in a right direction to live a holy life 

The fire set by Jesus will give us warmth of Gods love and forgiveness. 

So this is the speciality of Jesus fire or setting fire by Jesus

*8) The various types of fire set by Jesus*

The fire of forgiveness

The fire of Love

The fire of simplicity

The fire of Truth 

The fire of courage

The fire of justice

The fire of faithfulness

The fire of sacrifice

The fire of humility

The fire of integrity

The fire of sincerity

The fire of sharing 

The fire of service 

The fire of concern

The fire of obedience

The fire of the Cross

The fire of salvation

The fire of Mercy 

*9) Setting fire in my Life*

Am I ready to set these fires first of all in my life and the in my family

Do I believe that these fires will bring any change in me and in others 

What is my contribution to set fire 

Am I ready to set fire or am I frightened to set fire? 

*What is my position in setting fire?*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*