Twenty-Ninth Thursday of Ordinary Time

“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!”

Just like Christ, we should all be ablaze with the desire to see God’s Will accomplished. We are all called to be lights burning with the love, mercy, and grace of God, setting the world around us on fire with our faith, hope, and charity. We also must be willing to be baptized in whatever manner that God chooses for us. We might be asked to suffer physical trials or spiritual tribulations for the greater glory of God. However, we should be willing to undergo all things and undertake all tasks to fulfill God’s Divine Plan for us. We might not understand why we are called to do certain things and we may fall out of favor with our family and friends because of our devotion to Christ, but in the end the sufferings will be well worth the eternal reward. The pleasures and pains of this world are fleeting and pass away, but God’s love is forever.

Are we ablaze with Christ? Are we willing to be baptized by trials and suffering? What do we need to do to see God’s Will accomplished?

O Lord, set us on fire with your love.

Amen.