20TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME C
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FIRE! FIRE!
Terrible things happen when there is a fire. Properties are
destroyed, lives are lost, so much ruin left behind. That is why there is a
fire prevention month each year, specially during summer.
But there is one thing positive that happens when there is a
fire. The community suddenly becomes awake. The community becomes united.
People forget even their animosities toward each other and start to help put
out the fire. After the fire, people assist each other in building up from the
ashes of the unfortunate event.
Today Jesus speaks about bringing fire to the world. it is
not the fire of destruction but the fire that wakes people up, and propels them
to action. It is the fire that makes make the best decision for their lives,
leaving behind petty things and focusing on what is really important. That is
why this fire can separate people from each other too, once what is most
important become clear.
Sometimes events happen in our families or communities that
may seem to be destructive and consuming fire. But then more than the harm, we
soon find that there are many more good things that occur. Families are united
by the birth of a special child. Death in the family brings home estranged
members and starts reconciliation. A sickness can wake us up to our need for
God and for other people.
Is there a fire in your life today? allow Jesus to stand in
the midst of the fire and show us that good things can come even from the most
devastating event of life.
