20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C, Year II)
Community Word: Life in Christ assures us of our heavenly inheritance.
Theme: Life in Christ assures us of our heavenly inheritance when we fix our eyes on Jesus with perseverance.
Promise: “…you may not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb 12:3b)
Reflection:
“Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division,” (Lk 12:51). This radical statement of Jesus seems confusing because Jesus is the Prince of Peace and He came to reconcile us with the Father. In fact, peace is His desire, His gift to those who follow Him, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give it to you.” (Jn 14:27).
The teachings of Jesus are different or are in conflict with the ideals of the world. It is a moment of decision for those who hear them. But many who do not want to change their ways and their perceptions would reject His new commandment. Godly people abide by His words and discern God’s plan, while the children of this world create their own earthly realities. Recalling the prophecy of Simeon at the presentation of Jesus, he foretold this, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many … and to be a sign that will be contradicted,” (Lk 2:34).
The truth is that Jesus was passionate and deeply involved in His mission to save us, even though it would mean His death. There was urgency in the divine task that the Father sent Him to fulfill. Thus, in this week’s Gospel, Jesus declares, “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing,” (Lk12:49). He hoped that mankind would be on fire with the great desire to accept the Truth between what is good and what is evil.
Peace will only come about if we are united in God’s consuming fire of love. We will have peace if we focus our attention on the One who kindled love in our heart. Christians are meant to be “on fire” with God’s love and be moved by the Holy Spirit. We are challenged to be revived by the fire of the Holy Spirit so that we will choose wisely, courageously and with fervor; to be able to follow Jesus daily, serving as He serves and doing good as He does. As disciples and workers in the Church, our life must bear witness to Jesus and His Gospel. But living in a society that does not openly appreciate spiritual and moral values, we must be prepared to meet opposition and even condemnation. These are the consequences of following the Lord and His precepts.
True peace is attained when we persevere in our faith journey to the end. We have made our choice to follow and serve God no matter the difficulties along the way. As we have made up our minds, our long wait should not be put to waste. Jesus in the Way, the Truth and the Life. As we share our faith to others, we must testify how we have experienced the peace of the Lord by being united with Him in mind, body and spirit, where joy, justice and righteousness remain.
When we become true followers of Christ, especially when we choose to be workers in His vineyard, there are choices to be made affecting our priorities and attachments. We may have to detach ourselves from present lifestyles and comfort zones. Occasionally, time with the family is sacrificed resulting in misunderstanding and disharmony. But Jesus will always make a way as long as we fix our eyes upon Him. Let our hearts not be troubled for the Lord assures us, “…you may not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb 12:3b)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, fill me with the fire of Your love and transform me to be like You. Help me always to be reconciled with You, with myself and others. I ask for wisdom and fortitude to deal with situations when my beliefs are different from those around me and there are conflicts. I pray that I will be able to bear any opposition with understanding and resilience, that being faithful to You brings the message of truth into my life. I pray for oneness among all people, especially with my family, friends and community brethren, as you are the Source of Unity. Amen.
Reflection Guide Questions:
- How passionate am I in doing God’s will and mission in my life? When Jesus comes again, will my life be ablaze with love for Him?
- How can I be the “fire” of influence to others so that they may become true believers in Christ and followers in God’s Kingdom?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
August 14, 2016 (Sun) – Jer 38:4-6, 8-10/ Ps 40:2-4, 18/ Heb 12:1-4/ Lk 12:49-53
August 15, 2016 (Mon) – Rv 11:19; 12:1-6, 10/ Ps 45:10-12, 16/ 1Cor 15:20-27/ Lk 1:39-56
August 16, 2016 (Tue) – Ez 28:1-10/ Dt 32:26-28, 30, 35-36/ Mt 19:23-30
August 17, 2016 (Wed) – Ez 34:1-11/ Ps 23:1-6/ Mt 20:1-16
August 18, 2016 (Thurs) – Ez 36:23-28/ Ps 51:12-19/ Mt 22:1-14
August 19, 2016 (Fri) – Ez 37:1-14/ Ps 107:2-9/ Mt 22:34-40
August 20, 2016 (Sat) – Ez 43:1-7/ Ps 85:9-14/ Mt 23:1-12
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
