Last week I received a text message from my friend Joel. It began by asking if I was going to be watching the Notre Dame game football game and then took an unexpected turn when he asked me really good question: about how many of the people I know--who are Catholic are serious about their faith…as opposed to just going through the motions?
That’s a great question for each of us to consider, whether directed to ourselves, our families, or friends? Are we or those closest to us serious about our faith in Jesus Christ and if so, how?
A Noticeable Transformation
Jesus’ message, his exhortation in today’s gospel makes it clear, that being a disciple of His is meant to be transformational and noticeable. The image of Jesus coming to set the earth on fire can certainly evoke all sorts of thoughts and emotions, and his message that he has not come to bring peace, but division, can seem contradictory to the Gospel and certainly our Global Rosary for Peace that we held yesterday.
But what Jesus wants us to hear…is an important prophetic warning: that the Gospel, the Word of God when read or listened to ignites a holy fire—a holy fire that purifies and compels us to choose Christ above all else.
The Light of the World
Understandably, that choice inevitably creates tension---with those who choose to remain in darkness, even within our own families and circle of friends—and those who choose the light of Christ.
However, with faith in Jesus, knowing that His Word is meant to be a light for us, we can place our trust in Him to navigate the challenging moments when there is division in our families and friendships about His teaching.
The Flame of the Holy Spirit
One way of looking at the fire that Jesus brings is that it symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s love burning away things—things like complacency that can cause us, to at times, go through the motions in our faith and relationships.
The Holy Spirit’s love also burns away any greed that puts our possessions or money above God or our loved ones, and finally, the Holy Spirit’s love burns away false security in our own abilities or what we have been given by others.
Solving Division
My brothers and sisters, when there is division in our hearts or those of our families, we can do several things:
First, we can seek the fire of the Holy Spirit through prayer, the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, and in the Word of God. Second, we can be ready to speak the Truth of Jesus whether at home, work, or in the community. Third, we can recognize that following Christ can bring division that hopefully-- will be a catalyst to conversion to Jesus.
Lastly, when a family member or friend rejects the teaching of Jesus, we can witness the patient love of God by keeping them in our lives, while maintaining an authentic Gospel life.
Igniting Our Hearts
Being a followers of Jesus who takes our faith seriously definitely entails: embracing the Spirit’s fire, remaining faithful to Christ’s call, and nurturing our families as domestic churches…when we do these, we allow the occasion of a holy division to become a pathway—a pathway toward a deeper communion with God and, ultimately, to the reconciliation of all hearts in the Kingdom.
May God bless you and your families this holy day!
- Today’s Readings
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
