The Fire That Transforms
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks with a striking urgency that catches us off guard: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” These words may unsettle us, especially when He adds that His mission will bring division, even among family members.
At first, this can seem difficult to reconcile with the image of Jesus as the Prince of Peace. But here, our Lord reveals a more profound truth: the peace He brings is not about avoiding conflict or maintaining superficial harmony. It is about transformation—an all-consuming fire that burns away falsehood, injustice, and complacency, and that calls us to radical fidelity to God.
Not Above Our Master
As our pastor reminded us today, we cannot be above our Master. Jesus Himself experienced both acceptance and rejection during His earthly ministry. Some welcomed Him with open hearts; others turned away, even plotting His death. If our Lord and Savior endured misunderstanding, opposition, and division, how can we expect anything different as His followers?
Discipleship is not a path of comfort but of courage. To stand for Christ is to accept that loyalty to God sometimes comes before even the closest human ties. It means sharing in His “baptism” of suffering and sacrifice, carrying our cross daily, and holding firm to the truth of the Gospel even when it costs us relationships, reputation, or security.
Jesus said to his disciples:
"I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!
Luke 12:49
The Fire of Divine Love
But the “fire” that Jesus brings is not one of destruction—it is the fire of divine love, hope, and justice. It is a refining fire that strengthens our faith and ignites our hearts with passion for God’s kingdom. Like a surgeon who must cut to heal, or a gardener who must prune to bring greater growth, God sometimes allows disruption in our lives so that deeper healing and renewal can take place.
This fire is unsettling because it calls us out of complacency. It exposes hypocrisy, confronts injustice, and pushes us toward radical transformation. Yet at its heart, it is fueled by divine love—the kind of love that heals, purifies, and makes us new.
The Road to True Peace
When Jesus speaks of division, He is not glorifying conflict for its own sake. He is revealing a spiritual reality: not everyone will embrace the Gospel. But this division is not the final word. It is a necessary step on the journey to a more profound and lasting peace—a peace that is not fragile or superficial, but one that restores and reconciles in God’s time.
If your faith has ever placed you at odds with friends, family, or colleagues, take courage. Remember that Jesus Himself was misunderstood, rejected, and betrayed. Yet He remained steadfast, and His faithfulness led to resurrection and victory. The same victory awaits those who endure with Him.
Keep the Flame Alive
The challenge for us today is to keep the fire of His love burning in our hearts. Pray for those who oppose you. Love them without compromise. Trust that God is working, even through the tensions and trials. The division is temporary, but the peace of Christ is eternal.
In the end, the fire Jesus has set within us will not consume us—it will transform us. It will guide us, purify us, and ultimately lead us, and perhaps even those who once resisted, into the everlasting embrace of God’s Kingdom.
“Remain faithful. Keep the fire alive. And let His peace reign in you.”