In today’s Gospel Jesus speaks to his disciples as he is journeying on his way to Jerusalem where he knows what awaits him. The shadow of the cross is before him, and Jesus knows that his enemies will show no mercy. He taught so much about love, mercy, peace and kindness but he himself will not be shown any leniency.
Jesus tells us that as his followers we too have to be prepared for difficult times. Following him will not be easy and it will make demands on our daily lives and on our families. The conflict that impacted Jesus’ life will impact ours also. Today Jesus uses the images of fire and baptism to express the ultimate struggle that awaits him in Jerusalem. He says that he has come to set the earth on fire. Earlier in chapter 3 of Luke’s Gospel, John the Baptist says that he baptises with water, but someone greater than him will baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire. In today’s Gospel the fire which Jesus speaks of is the unhappiness and turmoil caused by the coming Judgment. It is also the fire of the Holy Spirit which will come on the disciples on Pentecost, a fire which will strengthen them to go out to the whole world to preach the Good News of Jesus’ Resurrection. The conflict and distress which Jesus is going to experience as he journeys towards the cross will be witnessed by his disciples. At Jesus’ birth the angels proclaimed peace on earth, and Simeon holding baby Jesus in the Temple, addresses God and says that now God can let him go in peace as he has seen the Lord. He then tells Mary that her child is destined for the rise and fall of many and will be a contradicting sign. Peace is the ultimate end of the Kingdom of God, but peace has a price. Jesus warns the crowd that wherever the Word of God is heard and acted upon, division occurs. Families will be divided against each other. These are difficult words for us to hear, those of us who commit to Jesus are challenged in our relationships and in the way we live our lives. We need to be reminded that the decision to do the right thing, the good thing, is not always easy and is not without conflict. Jesus himself did not avoid conflict and he didn’t make easy decisions. Although we may not face physical suffering because of our faith we might experience emotional suffering and division. Maybe you have been criticised for taking a lower paid job because it allows you to spend more time with your family. Perhaps you have been called outdated when choosing not to watch a particular movie because you don’t agree with its content. Following Jesus is not without its moments of anguish but if we remain faithful and steadfast in our faith we will receive the promise of peace in life everlasting.