In today’s gospel Jesus words are “hard,” speaking about “fire” and “division” – and all of this leading to some dire consequences. Perhaps it is good to provide some insight about passage and the words and imagery used – because it all begins with the opening words of the gospel reading as we hear Jesus say: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Luke 12:49). Interestingly, in the NT only rarely does “fire” (pýr) denote the earthly phenomenon. If Luke’s usage is not literal, then what are the possibilities? What is the fire Jesus comes to cast? Continue reading
A Hard Reading
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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 text 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. 
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