Jesus shocked his disciples when he declared that he would cast fire and cause division rather than peace upon the earth. What kind of fire did Jesus have in mind here? Fire in biblical times was associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people. God's fire both purifies and cleanses, and it inspires a reverent fear of God and of his word in us. 
  
Thursday of the29th Week in Orinary Time 
Ephesians 3:14-21 
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 
Luke 12:49-53 "I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; 52 for henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three; 53 they will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against  her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." 
  
Meditation by Don Schwager 
Do you want to be on fire for God? Jesus shocked his disciples when he declared that he would cast fire and cause division rather than peace upon the earth. What kind of fire did Jesus have in mind here? Fire in biblical times was associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people.  God sometimes manifested his presence by use of fire, such as the burning bush which was not consumed when God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3:2). The image of fire was also used to symbolize God's glory (Ezekiel 1:4, 13), his protective presence (2 Kings 6:17), his holiness (Deut. 4:24), righteous judgment (Zechariah 13:9), and his wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16). It is also used of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11 and Acts 2:3). God's fire both purifies and cleanses, and it inspires a reverent fear of God and of his word in us. 
  
Jesus’ sharp statement that he would cause division rather than peace within families must have shocked his disciples.Was he exaggerating? Jesus used a typical Hebrew (Semetic) hyperbole to drive home an important lesson. We often do the same when we want to emphasize something very strongly. Jesus’ hyperbole, however, did contain a real warning that the gospel message does have consequences for our lives. It has the power to heal, restore, and unite those who believe its message. But the consequence of ignoring or rejecting the gospel can lead to many hurtful desires and seduction by the world. 
  
When Jesus spoke about division he likely had in mind the prophecy of Micah: a man's enemies are the men of his own household (Micah 7:6). The essence of Christianity is loyalty to Jesus Christ, a loyalty that takes precedence over every other relationship. The love of God compels us to choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship (or anything else) above God is a form of idolatry. Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies, if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians 5:14)? 
  
"Lord Jesus, may your love consume me and transform my life that I may truly desire nothing more than life with you. Make me strong in love and fidelity that nothing may hinder me from doing your will." 
  
  
Supplementary Reading 
FRIENDS WITH THE WOLF 
  
“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” –Luke 10:3 
  
She bought a new male Czechoslovakian Wolf-Dog for a pet. Every morning, this woman would pry the dog’s jaws open and force a dose of cod liver oil into his mouth so he could have a healthier and shinier coat. He struggled but she persisted. He doesn’t know what’s good for him! she thought. 
One day, however, the bottle tipped over. To her surprise, the dog sniffed at the fishy liquid and began lapping up what had spilled. He actually loved the stuff. He simply objected to being coerced! 
Sometimes we use a similar method in bringing people to the Lord. The “way of the wolf” — an intense, in-your-face kind of confrontation, rarely works. In our sincere but overly enthusiastic attempt, we create resistance and repel people. 
Wolves are fierce predators. Lambs are excellent friend-makers. Jesus called us not to be wolves among wolves, but to be lambs among wolves. I thought it was clear. 
  
Who is God leading you to make friend with? 
  
Shepherd of my Life, let the Spirit of friendship flow through me that I may make more friends and bring them to Your a bun dant joy. - Jon Escoto (Kerygma)