DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE 29TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR

Celebration: Ferial

Table of the Word

First Reading:  Romans 6:19–23

Gospel: Luke 12:49–53

Theme: Baptized into the Fire of Love: The Cost of True Discipleship

Reflection

Today’s Word pierces the heart with a call to conversion through love that purifies; a love that costs, consumes, and transforms.

In the first reading taken from the Pauline's epistle to the Roman Church (Romans 6:19–23), St. Paul continues his reflection on the mystery of Christian transformation: “Just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity… so now present them as slaves to righteousness for sanctification.” (Rom. 6:19)

Here, Paul underscores the radical shift from bondage to sin to freedom in righteousness. The believer is no longer ruled by passion or pride but lives under the gentle lordship of grace. This is the essence of Christian holiness and not a mere moral improvement but a total reorientation of being toward God.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23)

This final verse captures the Gospel in miniature: what sin earns, grace redeems. Life in Christ is not earned but received, and yet, it demands a continual dying to self.

In the Gospel, Jesus declares one of His most startling statements:

“I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49)

This “fire” is not destruction but divine purification, the burning love of the Holy Spirit that refines hearts and renews creation. It is the same fire that descended at Pentecost, igniting the apostles to witness even unto death.

Jesus also speaks of division, not as a rejection of peace, but as a recognition that truth often divides before it unites. His Gospel challenges the world’s compromises; it demands decision.

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” (v. 51)

True discipleship disrupts complacency. The fire of Christ purges false securities, relationships, habits, or ideologies that resist God’s reign.

However, the Church in her teaching explains this further: 

 “The fire symbolizes the transforming energy of the Holy Spirit’s actions. Prayer, conversion of heart, and the witness of holiness are kindled by this divine fire.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church No.696) 

This means that Jesus’ “fire” is the flame of divine charity, the Spirit that burns away sin and ignites zeal for mission.

Dearest in Christ Jesus, let the fire purify us. Let us embrace God’s correction and conversion, every trial can refine your soul; live with burning zeal. 

Finally, let our faith inspire courage and witness in a world that prefers comfort to truth.

+ Peace be with you.

© ARCHIVE 23102025