MASS READINGS:

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

REFLECTION: “I have come to set the earth on fire,and how I wish it were already blazing!..."

Whether you are a software developer, construction worker, financial advisor, home health aide, religious, caregiver, government worker, baker, priest or nun, you will face demands and challenges. In our jobs, we Catholics are expected to have courage to live our faith in face of opposition, ridicule and rejection. Our loved ones might be the worst challenging cost if we elect to follow Christ.

Jesus said, "I came to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing.'' Are not our hearts on fire defending our right to pray for priests and defending life? Are our hearts not on fire when we pray to God or even speak of His many graces? God purifies and cleanses to make us clean and He uses fire which is the sign of the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit. But how do we keep this fire ablazing?

Daily prayer, atonement, repentance, frequent confessions and daily mass help proclaim the love of God to others and will keep this flame on fire. Invite the Holy Spirit to be in your life.

God Bless