August 15th - Reflection

Time after Pentecost - Lectionary 20
Luke 12:49-56 (NRSV)
Jesus brings fire on earth

"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided:
father against son
and son against father,
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."

He also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, 'It is going to rain'; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, 'There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

Reflection
Jesus bringing the fire of passion and love to his followers. We all have a decision to make, and if that decision is to follow Christ, we will be infused with the fire of the Holy Spirit. We will be passionate in our movement in Christ's direction and way. We will follow and search and react in a response of action through love to those God sets before us day after day.

Yes, Jesus has kindled a fire in the people of God and this fire will never burn out. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, you burn in me. You lead me and work in and through your people. May your fire spread throughout all the earth. --- Amen