Two thousand
years ago, Christ came to set the world on fire. He brought a message of love
for God that would affect how we lived our lives and lead us to build a society
founded on justice and virtue. Through His disciples the flame of that message
has spread throughout the world, toppling oppressive governments and bringing
light to a darkened world.
But it did not
come without cost. Eleven of the twelve apostles were martyred. They were
followed by countless others through the centuries who valued their lives less
than the message contained in the fire.
But the fire
that once engulfed much of the West has cooled considerably. Places that once
blazed high are now little more than smoldering ruins. And so Jesus calls us,
reminding us of the mission of the Church. We are not here to make a broken
world run smoothly. We are here to transform the world with the fire of
Christian virtue and truth. We are here to contend against the evil and
wickedness that would separate us from God’s love.
And yes, there
will be a cost. American journalist Herbert Agar said; “the truth that makes
men free is for the most part the truth which men prefer not to hear.” The
Truth may cost us friends and loved ones, perhaps even our lives, but it is a
Truth that must be served if we are to be truly free.
It is time to
once again set the world on fire.
Pax Vobiscum
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
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