Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Luke 12: 49-53
August 17, 2025 | Sunday

Today’s Gospel

I have come to bring fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what anguish I feel until it is finished!

Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on, in one house five 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 her mother-in-law.”

Today’s Reflection

Today’s reading has the same underlying theme: Fidelity to the Lord brings contradiction, opposition, and even death for the carrier of the message or the prophet. The prophet Jeremiah is one of the many so-called prophets of doom or destruction, for he prophesied the destruction of Israel if they were not faithful and reliant on the Lord. But the real message at the end is the hope and restoration of Israel and the renewal of the Covenant. Jeremiah was a reluctant prophet who devised many excuses to avoid his calling, but the Lord instructed him to carry himself and prophesy. It is not in alliances with other nations that Israel could be saved but rather in their reliance on the Lord. Instead of believing Jeremiah, the king listened to his advisers. It was in this context that the king knew somehow that Jeremiah was correct; that is why he had a change of heart and was saved from the pit or well (underground storage tank). Our conscience usually dictates and reminds us that somehow, in our daily lives, we should listen to rectify our wrong decisions and follow the insight given to us.

The letter to the Hebrews focuses on the current attitude of the people of Israel. Jeremiah addresses their ancestors, and the Letter to the Hebrews reminds the people to be steadfast in what their ancestors had started and for them to continue to journey “racing towards what they have started,” be vigilant with their faith and avoid sinning and learn the lessons of their ancestors. The symbolism of “race in the game” fitting describes their current exhaustion, and they were encouraged not to lose sight of the goal in the “race.” Faith needs endurance and should be nourished by continuously clinging to the Lord Jesus. The “great cloud of witnesses” should remind them of those who have died in Christ. The beginning and completion of the race is to follow Christ. By accepting our own cross, we share the shame and the triumph of the cross of Christ. His grace is sufficient for us!

The contradiction continues in today’s Gospel. Was Christ a bearer of peace and harmony? Why this passage of discord and disagreements among the members of the family? Anyone, not only Jews will be shocked by this categorical assertion from Jesus. Jesus is pointing out that all earthly ties or relationships, especially our family, are secondary to fidelity to Him. The most sacred tie is following Him. Christianity teaches the sacredness of the family, and its unity is promoted. However, there are occasions when this bond of unity and loyalty will be disrupted or shattered because of our fidelity to Christ. There are several examples of these challenges and experiences wherein the service demanded from us will occupy our time, and we will have to choose whether to follow Him or not. How much or how many relationships, friendships, vices or “barkadas” and other priorities do we have to give up to follow Christ? Family relationships are important and sacred; Christ made this analogy about the importance of following Him.

/Vulnerasti, 2025