Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Friends,

Today’s Gospel presents a vivid image: Jesus longing for the earth to be ablaze. It reminds me of one of my favorite childhood summer memories—after a long day of fishing, gathering around a campfire and watching the flames slowly consume each log. Eventually, I’d find myself captivated by the innermost blue and white flames—the hottest part of the fire, glowing with intensity at its core.

Yet what does Jesus’ longing for a world set ablaze signify? Doesn't he know that division—especially among those we love—can cause some of life’s deepest wounds? This language of separation echoes back to Genesis, where God distinguishes light from darkness, sea from sky, day from night, even work from rest. In each act of setting things apart, the Creator consecrated what was divided, forging order from chaos and infusing creation with holiness. Now, as our Light of the world, Jesus calls us to a radical break from sin’s chaos—even if it brings division—in order that his purifying fire might renew our hearts.

Thankfully through the Sacrament of Baptism, each of us has been consecrated into the Kingdom of Light. In fact, the ancient Church even called Baptism "illumination," because this sacrament gives light; it truly makes one see. During this Jubilee year, the faithful are invited to return to the font where their pilgrimage of hope first began. I encourage you sometime this year to make that journey to your baptismal site and ask Jesus to rekindle the love you have received—so that when He comes again, He will find your heart already blazing.

Come Lord Jesus, consume my life with the innermost flame of your heart and enkindle in me the fire of Your Love.

-Anthony Quinn, Young Adult Coordinator