I am fortunate enough this School Term to be sitting in lessons with students who are preparing for their Sacrament of Confirmation. In preparation students explore the role of the Holy Spirit. The most significant revelation about the Holy Spirit came at the time of Pentecost. The arrival of the Holy Spirit was signalled by a violent gushing wind followed tongues of fire. Our immediate reaction to these symbols is not so positive because the damage wind and fire can potentially cause.
The Story of Creation tells us God created the earth with all its elements and saw it was good. Wind is used as a source to generate energy. The atmosphere is purified by this very same element. Fire provides us with warmth and vision. Many species of plants require fire to seed and sprout. Without these crucial elements the earth lacks what it needs to sustain life.
The Gospel for this 20th Sunday, Jesus talks about a fire that he wishes it to blaze. It gives us a positive perspective of the fire that he talks about. Jesus’ suffering and death gives an understanding of how life will emerge from it.
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! There is a baptism I must still receive, and how great is my distress till it is over!
‘Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against three; the father divided against the son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’
This Sunday’s Gospel gives us another perspective on peace. The peace that he brings will cause confrontation and division – no one is spared from this, even families.
Those who haven’t accepted compassion, justice and mercy, will divide with those who have. Those who have accepted this; experience the true peace by doing what they know is right.
By Fr Hoang Dinh
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
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