29thWeek in Ord. Time, Thursday – 21st October 2021 — Gospel: Lk 12,49-53
Fire and Water
Jesus uses the terms ‘fire’ and ‘water’ (baptism) to describe his mission. The prophets associated fire with God’s word. Jeremiah speaks: “Is not my word like fire? says the Lord” (Jer 23,29). Sirach says, “Then Elijah arose, a prophet like fire, and his word burned like a torch” (Sir 48,1). Fire is a symbol of testing and judgement; it is a way of God refining and purifying his chosen people. Jesus expresses his desire that his mission is to release people from the oppression of evil, and purify them with a fire, so that they will shine as God’s precious treasure. However, before his mission can be accomplished, Jesus himself has to undergo the test of baptism in his passion and death. Through his passion, Jesus will baptize God’s people with the “baptism of fire” (Lk 3,16) and introduce them into a glorious and eternal life. This is prefigured when we receive our baptism (Rom 6,3-5).
