The Fire of Discipleship

Dear friends on the journey,


“I have come to bring fire to the earth... Do you think I have come to establish peace? No, I tell you, but rather division.” Jesus’ words in today’s gospel are bold, unsettling, and a little confusing because they seem to contradict all of Jesus’ other teachings of love, life, mercy, and peace. Getting past their face value requires going deeper into Luke’s gospel and in connection with the other readings.


The theme of today’s reading is discipleship with the core message that the path of discipleship is not always easy or smooth. Following Jesus can bring conflict, even within our own families.


We see this in the first reading where the prophet Jeremiah is thrown into a cistern for telling the truth. His message made people uncomfortable and they wanted him silenced. But God did not abandon him. Someone is moved to help and Jeremiah is rescued. Even in the mud, Jeremiah holds on to his trust in God.


This trust is echoed in Psalm 40 that beautifully illustrates the journey from despair to hope. The opening verses highlight the psalmist’s deep distress and his trust in God who pulls him from the mire and sets him on solid ground. Being set on a rock not only symbolizes stability but also speaks to the psalmist’s renewed sense of security and trust in God’s ability to guide and save.


The second reading from Hebrews urges us to persevere, to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who endured the cross. He didn’t give up. And neither should we when the road of discipleship is bumpy and seems costly.


Jesus uses the powerful image of fire to illustrate the demands of true discipleship. Here fire represents both purification and passion. It’s like the love of God that burns in the heart of a true disciple, driving them to live according to Jesus’ example. The challenges that come with discipleship—sometimes causing division even within families—are part of this process of being “purified” and fully committed to God’s will, no matter the cost. A disciple’s life isn’t always easy or comfortable, but it’s ultimately about embracing a transformation that leads us closer to God’s love and truth. 

Today is an opportunity to examine our own faith with honesty. Reflect on times in your life when it was easy, and when it was more difficult, to stand up in faith. Are we ready to stand with Jesus, even when it’s hard? Even when it costs us something? The gospel is not always comfortable—but it is always true. Jesus came to set a fire in our hearts. Will we let it burn?


Siempre Adelante,


Teresa Runyon
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Pastoral Associate 

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