Decisiveness attracts us. We like its energy. We admire its strength. We’re drawn to people who exhibit it, especially in times of crisis. Even if the decision made is horrendous, we find ourselves holding the decider in high regard. For example, many U.S. citizens reacted with high regard to George Bush’s decision to invade Iraq after the Saudi’s 9-11 attack. Some people even follow the man’s foolish decision to join the military and invade oil rich Iraq. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus shows his decisiveness for mission. It is wholly unlike the age old mission manipulated by War Lords such as Bush, for war. It is a world transforming mission. Jesus describes his mission metaphorically as fire. Fire best describes his feeling of passion for his mission. Jesus’ mission is a passion for peace.
Where is our passion these days? What fires us up? Is it the peaceful mission of Jesus for communion, love, and creative healing power? The world needs passion for such a mission. We need to be on fire for such a life. It is not difficult to read the signs of the times. A different type of fire engulfs us – one that destroys. Enemies enflame the world dividing us from communion. War plunderers spark increases in their bank accounts diminishing our love. Violence is showcased in shock and awe bombing explosions decreasing our creative healing power. Amidst this destruction, disciples are decisive about bringing forth another future. We have decided upon another way. Clouds of hope are rising. Winds of change are coming. We who have decided for Christ are that hope. We are that change. Let us be decisive about being so.
Are we tending the fire within? Are we at least, now and then, stoking the burning ember at our core?
Prayer: Dear Spirit, there burns within me a passion for a peaceful mission.
Question: How decisive am I about joining in Christ’s mission for peace?
August 18, 2013 – Gospel Luke 12:49-53 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time