23 October.   Mercia was shocked when she read the gospel of the day where Jesus said he had come to cause division within families.  “What could he have meant,” she asked the confirmation catechist. “It can be confusing,”  was the answer, “ but think in terms of differences in perception and context. Fire is a force, it does destroy but also burns away rubbish and was seen as the presence of God by the Jews and is also a source of energy.  Truth too is an inner fire.  Honesty, integrity and justice are essential forces for entry into the Kingdom.”  “Jesus was really giving a wake-up call and a challenge to his disciples.”  

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:  I came to cast fire on the earth. I have not come to give peace on earth, but rather division.  In one household they will be divided, father against son, mother daughter, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law. Luke 12:49-53.  Pope Francis: Doomsday predictions can no longer be met with irony or disdain.  We may well be leaving to coming generations debris, desolation and filth.  The pace of consumption, waste and environmental change has so stretched the planet’s capacity.  The effects of the present imbalance can only be reduced by our decisive action, here and now. We need to reflect on our accountability before those who will have to endure the dire consequences.   LS 161. Jubilee. May the Christian community always be prepared to defend the rights of those who are most vulnerable, opening wide its doors to welcome them, lest anyone ever be robbed of the hope of a better future. May the Lord’s words in the great parable of the Last Judgement always find an echo in our hearts: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” for “just as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me” (Mt 25:35.40).  SNC 13.  Act and Pray for the needs of families and our calling to become true missionary disciples.