Today's gospel, 17 August, plus Today's services
Today's services:
10am, Morning Prayer, Christ Church Castlebar
12 noon, Holy Baptism, outdoors at Knappagh (St Thomas;s Knappagh)
3pm, Evening Prayer, St Thomas's Dugort, Achill - followed by tea
The Gospel Reading Luke 12: 49-56
‘I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptised, 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?
Comment
In today's gospel Jesus speaking prior to his crucifixion, speaks of the fire which he will bring. This is not a fire of destruction, like the devastating wildfires of Los Angeles and other parts of the world. Rather, the 'fire' which Jesus brings is the Holy Spirit, the creative and purifying Spirit of God who is Love.
This is reminiscent of John the Baptist's prophetic words about Jesus: ‘I baptise you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Luke 3:16). See today's 'Christian Art', below for further insight and comment.
Christian Art
You can find a helpful reflection on today's gospel here:
https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-12-49-53-2025/
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