Sunday August 17, 2025
Jesus said, "I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." He also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, `It is going to rain'; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, `There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?" Luke 12:49-56
Fire is scared among Indigenous peoples, so much so, that we often honor the sacred fire with dances that honor fire. Traditional people knew the central importance of fire for life. They also taught their children how to safely care for fire and respect its gifts and dangers. Today's Gospel from Luke seems harsh and out of character for Jesus. Yet Jesus might be speaking to our times. We see so much division and open hostility. And the world is warming so rapidly that there are huge fires out of control and glaciers tearing apart. Some might claim that these are the signs of the end times, but they would be very wrong. In every generation and season, Jesus is calling us to open our eyes and hearts, something we do not want to do in the summer, or ever. The fire that Jesus speaks of is holy fire, not the fire of angry destruction. A sacred flame that gets down the bare places of our lives. That heart of hearts which brings forth forgiveness, reconciliation and compassion.
A Litany for Sunday August 17th
Wondrous Creator, you gave us fire to live by
to heat our dwellings and cook our foods
and to help us cleanse in every time and season.
Lord Jesus, heal and renew us with your Holy Fire.
We don't want to pay attention in these times
we would rather take side and demonize others
and we are comfortable in our hate and division.
Lord Jesus, heal and renew us with your Holy Fire.
Our forests are burning and our seas are rising
we cry to you for help but refuse to change our ways
and we hide behind the rhetoric of our leaders.
Lord Jesus, heal and renew us with your Holy Fire.
Take your Holy fire, dear Lord, and set us free
to live for love, reconciliation and your peace.
Lord Jesus, heal and renew us with your Holy Fire.
Take your Holy flame and burn away arrogance
so we might see the people in need around us.
Lord Jesus, heal and renew us with your Holy Fire.
Take your Sacred fire, and set our hearts ablaze
for the love and care of all of your creation.
Lord Jesus, heal and renew us with your Holy Fire. Amen.
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