A story is told of a new prime minister of a country who, while addressing a group of journalists, harshly criticized his predecessor—a dictator known for committing many atrocities. During his speech, someone from the audience passed him a note that read, “What were you doing when the dictator committed all these atrocities, for you were in a position of influence even then?"
Furious, the prime minister demanded, “Who sent this note?” When no one stood up, he asked again, “I will give one minute for the person to stand up.” But no one did. He waited a moment before responding, “I’ll tell you what I was doing. I was doing exactly what the writer of this note was doing—exactly nothing. I was afraid to stand up. I was afraid to be counted.”
Standing Up For Christ
Are we, too, afraid to be counted when standing up for Christ and His values? Do we remain silent in the face of injustice, fearing opposition, rejection, or discomfort?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks with passionate urgency. He expresses His desire to “cast fire upon the earth.” Fire has many characteristics: it warms, refines, purifies and it also burns or consumes. In the Bible, fire symbolizes God’s powerful presence, as seen in moments like Moses’ encounter with the burning bush, the pillar of fire leading the Israelites in the desert, and the tongues of fire that descended on the apostles at Pentecost. This fire transforms, purifies, and refines hearts, drawing people toward a life change. Jesus invites us to ask ourselves: Are we willing to set the world on fire for God? Are we passionate about spreading God’s love, mercy, and justice, even if it involves confronting evil or sin?
Defending Truth
The Mahabharata is one of the two major ancient Indian epics. The epic is believed to have been composed around 400 BCE. In one of its chapters, it tells the story of the Kurukshetra War. A great war was about to unfold on the battlefield between two factions of the same royal family: the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The Kauravas were determined to retain power, while the Pandavas, denied their rightful inheritance, fought for justice.
Arjuna, a brave and noble warrior from the Pandavas, suddenly found himself in deep moral conflict. As he looked across the battlefield, he saw his family—cousins, uncles, and mentors—on the opposing side. Overcome with sorrow, he questioned how he could fight and kill those he loved. He decided to leave the battle, believing that winning the kingdom wasn't worth the cost of his loved ones' lives.
At that moment, Krishna, his charioteer and a divine figure, speaks to him. He explains that this war isn't merely against family but a struggle between good and evil. Arjuna's duty was to fight for righteousness, even if it meant opposing those close to him. Krishna reminded him that standing for what is right may require difficult, painful choices. Ultimately, the battle was not about personal ties but defending truth and justice.
This story from the Mahabharata teaches us that sometimes, doing what is right means putting aside personal attachments and standing for justice, even against those we love.
Set the World on Fire
Are we willing to stand for truth, justice, and the values of Christ? Or will we remain silent and complicit, like the prime minister in the story, afraid to be counted? The choice is ours—to set the world on fire with God's love and justice or to stand by and do nothing in the face of evil.
- Father Boby'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.)
