Homily for Thursday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus came to bring fire to the earth and desires that it were already blazing. This fire prefigures that of the Holy Spirit. In the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke describes the Holy Spirit as descending upon the disciples like tongues of fire. However, Jesus knows He cannot send the Holy Spirit until He has endured His Passion and death, which He refers to as “a baptism with which [He] must be baptized.” Mindful of the impending suffering, He admits that He will endure great despair until it is finished.

He earnestly wished to complete His Passion (a passion that His disciples will share) so that the fire of the Holy Spirit could begin to blaze in the hearts, minds, and souls of believers.  

Because they carry the mission of Jesus, some families will experience division; some members will embrace the Gospel while others will reject it. The Lord’s arrival and presence touch the depths of our humanity in ways that can sometimes cause deep divisions. 

Our calling is to allow the fire that Jesus has ignited to burn within us, and to trust that the Holy Spirit will kindle in us the fire of His love.