What does God’s tell us this Sunday? August 17th, 2025, XX Sunday in ordinary time

Jesús predicando

The Fire and Division of the Gospel of Jesus

Today’s Gospel presents us with a Jesus to whom we are unaccustomed. The language that describes their mission can be disconcerting and even shocking: “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already burning” (Lk 12:49). What fire is he referring to? Let us remember that fire certainly serves to consume and destroy, but also to purify and cleanse. That is his wish: that the Good News is already burning, that it is already being fully lived by his disciples in order to transform.

He also speaks of a baptism that must pass, and he is distressed until the time comes. That baptism is that of his passion and death. No less contradictory may seem to us this phrase: “Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No. Truly I tell you, I have not come to bring peace, but to bring division” (12:51). With this, he exhorts them to take his Word seriously, even knowing that it can bring criticism and opposition even from the closest loved ones.

The gospel of Jesus leaves no room for timidity or mediocrity. Those who believe, understand their message and manage to understand, even a little, the greatness of their love for us, and cannot remain indifferent.

P. Tarcisio