Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus delivers a message that can be startling to our modern ears: “I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” and “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”

These words challenge the comfortable, domesticated image of Jesus we sometimes hold. This fire is not a fire of worldly war, but the transformative and purifying fire of the Holy Spirit. It is a fire that tests our faith, burns away our apathy, and demands a radical commitment to God’s kingdom. It is a divine fire meant to refine us, not to destroy us.

The division Jesus speaks of is a natural consequence of this fire. When we embrace the Gospel, we are choosing a path that may lead us away from the values and priorities of the world, and sometimes, even from those closest to us. Our faith can create a schism—not because we seek to divide, but because our convictions are so profound that they set us apart.

As Dominicans, our call is to be both bearers and kindlers of this fire. We are the Order of Preachers, commissioned to proclaim the Truth of the Gospel with our lives and our words. This is a profound and serious responsibility. We are called to be beacons of light in a world that can be steeped in darkness, and that often means standing for truth, justice, and love even when it is unpopular.

This commitment can, and often does, cause a quiet division. We may find ourselves at odds with our families, our colleagues, or our friends over matters of faith and morals. It is in these moments that we must remember the words of our Lord. Our primary allegiance is to Him. Our peace is not the absence of conflict, but the unwavering certainty of being in His presence.

This passage is a powerful reminder that our faith is not a passive or private affair. It is an active, public, and sometimes disruptive force that demands a choice. Let us pray for the courage to embrace this fire, to live our faith so authentically that it becomes a light for the world, and to find our ultimate peace in Christ alone.