Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop
Luke 12: 49-53
Jesus did not call us to walk the easy way

October 24 is the memorial of St. Antony Mary Claret, a Spanish archbishop of the 19th century who dedicated his life to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus through all possible means. He founded the Congregation of Missionaries Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, presently also known as Claretian Missionaries.

While defining the identity of a son of the Heart of Mary, Father Claret said “he should be a man on fire with God’s love…” In the Gospel today, Jesus speaks of bringing fire to the earth and causing division, even within families. This challenging passage highlights the cost of discipleship and the transformative power of the Gospel, which often disrupts comfort and the status quo. Jesus’ words remind us that His message is not one of complacency but of radical change, calling us to choose God’s kingdom over worldly values.

Today, we see this tension manifest in various ways. Contemporary debates on social justice, environmental stewardship, and inclusion within the Church sometimes create divisions. Pope Francis’ call to care for the marginalised, address the climate crisis, and build a more synodal Church has sparked both support and resistance. This reflects Jesus’ words that His coming would cause division, as the Gospel invites us to confront our comfort zones and make tough choices for the sake of love and justice.

In our daily lives, we are called to discern whether we are following Christ wholeheartedly, even when it leads to discomfort or conflict. The “fire” Jesus speaks of can be seen as the Holy Spirit at work, purifying and transforming both our hearts and society. As disciples, we must embrace this fire, allowing it to reshape our priorities and lead us toward a more faithful and courageous witness to the Gospel.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024