Jesus is eager to “set the earth on fire” – not the fiery punishment spoken of by John the Baptist, but the fire of the Holy Spirit.  Yet the mission of Jesus and the consequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit will result in division within families, as each member chooses whether to accept or reject Jesus.  The choice has eternal consequences, but some people fail to grasp its importance.  They perceive what the weather is going to be like, but do not perceive that Jesus is establishing the reign of God.

This section of Chapter 12 is not easy to interpret and is best understood in light of what we read elsewhere in the gospels.  Jesus longs to “set the earth on fire”, to purify it Jesus faces a baptism of suffering and he will prove to be a point of
division as well as a source of peace.

The coming of the kingdom was the top concern of our Lord.  He is impatient to begin this fire which is a symbol both of the Holy Spirit and for divine judgement.

Jesus knew that in order to accomplish His Mission He would have to suffer, even die, but none the less He was impatient for it to happen – baptism here means fire.

Jesus is resolutely headed toward torture and death.  Gods’ rule is becoming present in Jesus.  The question is : How will we respond?  Those who choose for Jesus will find themselves divided from those who choose against Him.

God Bless,

Monsignor Powell