First Reading: (Romans 6:19–23)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 1)
Response: Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Alleluia: (Philippians 3:8–9)
Alleluia, Alleluia.
I consider all things so much rubbish
that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Gospel: (Luke 12:49–53)
Reflection
Jesus declares that He has come to set the world on fire, a fire that symbolizes the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Before that fire could be unleashed at Pentecost, Christ first had to endure His Passion, the “baptism” of suffering He speaks of. His burning desire is to purify, refine, and ignite hearts with divine love.
But the Gospel reminds us that the truth divides before it unites. When the light of Christ enters a soul, it forces a choice: for Him or against Him. Even families can experience division when some embrace the Gospel and others reject it. This division is not caused by Christ’s desire for conflict, but by the dramatic nature of conversion, the Gospel demands a decision.
Meanwhile, Saint Paul reminds us that we must no longer be slaves to sin. Sin promises freedom, but leads to death; Christ offers surrender, but it leads to eternal life. The fire of the Holy Spirit both burns away sin and lights the path to holiness.
May we allow that divine fire to burn within us, purifying what is unholy, igniting what is good, and giving us courage to choose Christ even when it costs us.
Amen 🙏
Pal Ronnie
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