This coming Sunday is the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time for Lectionary Cycle C. In yesterday’ post we discussed the biblical and Lucan use of the imagery of fire. Today we will consider the imagery of baptism. “There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!” (v.50) The word baptizō used here is the same as that used for water baptism elsewhere in the NT. However, clearly Jesus is not referring to a water baptism (Luke 3:21-22) as that has already occurred. Continue reading →

This coming Sunday is the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time for Lectionary Cycle C. In yesterday’s post we took a moment to place the “fire and brimstone” opening verse in a context of the Lucan narrative. But as Brian Stoffregen insightfully noted that “Our gospel text is not one you find on many refrigerator doors or on greeting cards.” The image of Jesus in these texts is upsetting to one who only seeks the meek and mild Jesus. Having begun with an exhortation to courage in the face of tribulation, continuing with a warning against avarice in the face of fear, Jesus now raises the issue of judgment. The people are called to conversion before it is too late. Continue reading →

This coming Sunday is the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time for Lectionary Cycle C. The gospel reading begins: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!  It is a gospel that needs context! Continue reading →