Before he dies, Jesus asks for unity among all people. This is usually how we see Him in hymns and stories—a peacemaker, gentle, meek and mild. While his heart remains pure, we see a different side of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel. Here Jesus yearns for fire on earth and embraces division among people.
While we aren’t called to set fires of destruction or glorify division between neighbors, we are called to recognize oppression and cruelty that have no place in God’s kingdom. The fire we desire is the cleansing fire of repentance fueled by love. The unity Jesus is looking for requires us to roll up our sleeves and aid the hungry, the sick, the lonely and the outcast.
Prayer: Lord, give us humility to see our faults and the grace to forgive one another. Unite us in love through the cleansing flame of your mercy. Amen
