Homily on Luke 12:49–53 : I came to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled. ( 23-10- 25)

A reflection on Luke 12:49–53 about the courage to choose Christ, even when it brings challenges and division. (23-10-25)

Praise be to Jesus Christ 

A young potter once made many clay pots. One day, after shaping them carefully, he left them to dry. Suddenly, heavy rain started. His helper ran to him and said, “If you put them in the fire now, they might crack. But if you don’t, the rain will destroy them.” The potter stood quietly for a moment. Then he said, “It is better they face the fire than melt in the rain.” He put them in the furnace. Later, when the fire cooled, the pots came out strong and shining.

My dear brothers and sisters, today’s Gospel talks about division. But when does that division happen? It happens only when we make a decision. When someone truly decides to follow Jesus, there will be differences. Not because Jesus wants to divide us, but because truth always shows a clear path. Jesus invites each of us to choose Him. Like the potter who faced the fire, we must decide whether we want to stand strong in faith or stay comfortable and weak. He does not want people who are half-hearted. He wants hearts that are ready, even if it costs something.

From the beginning, God has asked His people to choose. In the Old Testament, Joshua said to Israel, “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). Elijah asked, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him.” God gives us freedom, but He also asks us to make a choice. Faith that never decides slowly fades.

When Jesus speaks about fire and division, He does not mean trouble for its own sake. He means that following Him will always need a choice. Truth will challenge lies. Light will shine on darkness. When we live honestly for God, some people may not like it. Even in families, people may not understand. But Jesus says that though following Him may be hard, it gives a peace the world cannot give.

Saint Thomas More knew this. When the king told him to do what his conscience said was wrong, he said, “I die the King’s good servant, but God’s first.” His choice cost him his life, but it saved his soul. Saint Teresa of Avila said, “When one decides to be truly God’s, all fears vanish.” When our heart truly decides for God, we find strength even in suffering.

In our families and communities, we face small choices every day: to forgive or stay angry, to pray or skip it, to speak truth or hide it, to live joyfully or complain. These small choices show where our hearts are. Many of us think our faith will grow by itself, but it will not. Like the clay, it is the fire of choice that shapes it and makes it strong.

In Revelation, the Lord says, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm, I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15–16). Lukewarm faith makes Jesus sad. He wants disciples who choose Him, not people who drift wherever the wind blows. Choosing Christ means letting His Word guide our life, even if it costs comfort, opinion, or praise. It means trusting that His fire will make us pure, not destroy us.

Today, Jesus stands before us and asks, “Will you stand with Me?” He does not ask for perfection. He asks for a decision, a clear yes from the heart. Like the potter, let us not fear the fire. It is through that fire that our faith grows strong, our hearts become pure, and our lives shine with God’s beauty.

 Jesus, help me to choose You every day and every time. Amen.

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