Fire of Charity: Reflection for 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Was Jesus contradicting himself? Not at all. Often, Jesus talks about doing something that seems like he wants to do it. Yet, Jesus has been consistent in preaching the gospel while fulfilling the promises made by the prophets of old.

Jesus talked about fire. Fire can purify or destroy. Often, God spoke through many figures of the bible through it. Moses encountered God through a burning bush.

Jesus tells us in today’s gospel, "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” We may all look at it as if he wants to burn the world. That is not the case. He wants us to be on fire with his love. That is how many saints in the Catholic Church have changed the world. We can emulate their example in the 21st Century as Catholics are needed to win the culture war that is brewing now.

St. Paul’s letter to the Hebrews reminds us that we are made to suffer. He uses Jesus as an example “the leader and perfecter of faith.” He also used Jesus as an example of humility, for “he endured the cross, despising its shame.” The example Christ sets for us offers us hope and reminds us to never lose faith.

There can be no charity without faith or hope. Catholics must have faith to endure the suffering that is to come in a post-Christian society. Catholics look to the saints and Christ for hope. The hope to overcome worldly despair.

Finally, Catholics are called to sow the seeds of charity to everyone they will encounter. Every person that we encounter is a face of Christ that needs our love.

Let’s set the world on fire with Christ’s love now.