The Fire and Division of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twentieth Week :  Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 12:49-53*

*First Reading : Jer 38:4-6, 8-10*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 40:2, 3, 4, 18*

*Second Reading : Heb 12:1-4*

*The Fire and Division of Jesus*

*1) The Fire of Jesus as Passion and Zeal*

Jesus speaks with deep emotion here — “how I wish it were already kindled!” He is passionate for God's mission on earth. 

This fire represents His burning love, zeal for truth, and the urgency of His message

*2) Fire as the Holy Spirit*

At Pentecost, fire appears again — in the form of tongues of flame resting on the disciples (Acts 2:3). 

The Holy Spirit is the fire of God given to empower, guide, and transform believers.

Have I invited the Holy Spirit to burn within me?

Is my life being led and shaped by the Spirit?

“He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” – Luke 3:16

*3) Fire as Purification*

Fire also purifies — like gold in a furnace (Malachi 3:2-3).

Jesus wants to purify our hearts from sin, selfishness, pride, and indifference. 

His fire burns away what’s false and leaves us holy and renewed.

*4) Fire as Judgment and Division*

As we saw in Luke 12, Jesus’ fire also causes division. 

Not everyone will accept the Gospel. His message confronts evil and demands a choice.

Am I standing for Jesus even when it costs me something?

*5) Fire as Mission*

Jesus came to set the world ablaze with God’s love, truth, and justice. And now He sends us to carry that fire.

Am I spreading the fire of Jesus in my family, school, work, or community?

Do people feel God’s love through me?

*6) The Division of Jesus*

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.”

— Luke 12:51

Jesus’ words are surprising here — especially since we often call Him the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). So, what does He mean?

*A) Jesus Demands a Clear Decision*

Jesus brings division not because He wants conflict, but because His message requires a response. 

He forces us to choose between:

Truth or comfort

Light or darkness

Discipleship or compromise

There is no neutral ground with Jesus.

*B) Division Within Families and Communities*

Jesus says families may be divided over Him:

“They will be divided, father against son and son against father…” – Luke 12:53

This doesn’t mean Jesus wants to destroy families. He never brings division in families

But the Gospel is so powerful and countercultural that it may cause tension, even between loved ones.

*C) The Division Between the World and the Kingdom*

Jesus’ message often clashes with the values of the world:

Power vs. humility

Greed vs. generosity

Revenge vs. forgiveness

Hate vs. love

That creates division. Being a Christian means sometimes going against the crowd.

*D) Division That Leads to Purification*

This division isn’t destructive — it’s refining.

Like fire, Jesus divides truth from lies, light from darkness, life from death. He calls us to choose holiness and to let go of sin.

What in my life needs to be separated from me for me to grow closer to God?

*E) Jesus Divides to Unify in Truth*

Though Jesus brings division, His ultimate goal is unity in truth and love — not false peace based on compromise. 

He wants to unite people in God, but that unity must come through truth, not comfort.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*