Dear Parish Family,
In today’s Gospel we don’t expect to hear such difficult words from Jesus “I have come to set the earth on fire” But it is good to be reminded that the decision to do the right thing, the good thing, is not always easy and without conflict. Jesus himself did not make easy decisions and avoid conflict.
In describing this fire St. Cyril of Alexandria wrote: “We affirm therefore
that the fire which is sent forth by Christ is for men’s salvation and profits … For the fire here is, I say, the saving message of the Gospel, and the power of its commandments; by which all of us upon earth, who were so to speak cold and dead because of sin, and in ignorance of Him Who by nature and truly is God, are kindled unto a life of piety, and made fervent in spirit.” (Cyril of
Alexandria, Commentary on Luke, 1859, Sermons 89-98, pp. 409-459)
We are all servants of the Kingdom of God and of God’s Holy Word. If Jesus came to serve and not to be served, we are called to do likewise. Everything we do must be in total confidence in God, seeking to always do what is right and not what is easy.
God Bless,
Fr. Cyrus
