GOSPEL: Luke 12:49-53
'I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! There is a baptism I must still receive, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! 'Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on, a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against three; father opposed to son, son to father, mother to daughter, daughter to mother, mother-in-law to daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law to mother-in-law.'

REFLECTION
This week's Gospel is a bit sobering. In his opening words, Jesus tells the disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” He continues talking about the baptism with which he would be baptized and the anguish he would experience in this process.

Then Jesus asks his disciples a question: “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” He then talks about households being divided and family members turning on each other. What is the message Jesus is trying to convey to the disciples and to us? Is he trying to open our minds and hearts to the reality of our world and the reality of our human condition?

In today’s world, every morning we see and hear multiple stories of division and violence: in families, cities and countries. Perhaps the most frightening stories are the acts of violence and destruction that take place in our own cities, our own neighborhoods and perhaps within our own families.

What is the message Jesus is trying to convey to us? Is he trying to frighten us? Or is he simply hoping to awaken us? Is Jesus trying to motivate us to live peacefully, lovingly, cooperatively and respectfully with each and every person on earth, even the individuals we may not like or agree with?

Now, take a moment and imagine a world where every single person was respected and honored simply because he or she is a human being whom God created in love. You are one of those individuals and so am I. Every individual on earth was created from God’s loving heart. And yet, we war upon one another with our words, our actions, and our violence.

Today I invite you to think of an individual with whom you struggle. It may be someone who has hurt or angered you, or it might be a person you simply don’t like or one who grates on you. Now, quiet yourself and imagine that person in your mind for a moment or two. Then surround that individual with acceptance, peace and joy. Hold this person in your mind for two or three minutes.

You have given this individual a loving gift today. True, they may not consciously recognise what you have done. However, their spirit will know that someone has gifted and graced them today. Be alert and attentive! Perhaps you will receive a similar gift! (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)

FEAST OF SAINT AUGUSTINE PRAYER SERVICE
Please not that there has been a change in time for our prayer service celebrating the Feast of Saint Augustine. The prayer service will be held on Wednesday 28th August at 2:10pm in the PAC. We welcome everyone from our Mt Carmel Community to join us.

​God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator