Fr. Marvin’s Reflection - August 17 

This Sunday’s Gospel reading presents us with a challenging image of Jesus expressing His desire to bring fire to the earth, saying, "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!" (Luke 12:49). He speaks of division, not because He came to divide, but because His message calls for a decisive choice that may put us at odds even with those we love.

This passage reminds us that the Gospel demands commitment and often requires us to stand firm in our Catholic faith amid opposition or misunderstanding. Jesus invites us into a transformative relationship that challenges our priorities and seeks to set our hearts ablaze with His love and truth.

St. Catherine of Siena vividly articulated this fervor, saying, "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire." Her words inspire us to embrace our unique callings with courage and conviction, allowing Christ's love to shine through us in all circumstances.

With God’s grace, we must strive to authentically witness our faith and impact a world that is hungering for the truth of the love and hope found only through Christ and His Church.

Reflect on these questions: How are we called to respond to Christ's invitation to set the world ablaze with His love and truth? In what ways can we courageously share our faith, even in the face of division or misunderstanding?

In Christ,    

Fr. Marvin