Dear parish family,
The Scripture readings of this 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time place before us a truth we cannot water down: following Jesus is not always comfortable, and it is never without cost. True discipleship calls for courage, perseverance, and a heart that places Him above comfort, convenience, and even human approval.
In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah is lowered into a muddy cistern for daring to proclaim God’s word (cf. Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10). His message was not what the leaders wanted to hear, so they tried to silence him. Picture the scene—darkness pressing in, the cold mud clinging to his body, the weight of abandonment heavy upon him. And yet, God was there. Through the unexpected courage of Ebed-melech – a royal court official, Jeremiah is lifted from the pit. No matter how deep our own trials, God’s hand can reach us. He can send help through the most unlikely people—and at times, He calls us to be that lifeline for another soul in need.
The psalm gives voice to this rescue: “Lord, come to my aid!” (Psalm 40:2, 3, 4, 18). It speaks of a God who stoops down to lift us out of the mud, sets our feet on solid rock, and puts a new song in our mouths. When we place our trust in Him, He not only changes our situation—He transforms our hearts. Our lives become a living hymn of praise, inspiring awe and faith in others.
The Letter to the Hebrews urges us to “persevere in running the race” with our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of our faith (cf. Hebrews 12:1-4). We do not run alone; a great cloud of witnesses—saints, martyrs, and faithful believers—are cheering us on. And the author reminds us that, while our struggles are real, they have not yet reached the point of shedding blood. God is urging us: do not grow weary, and do not lose heart.
In the Gospel, Jesus’ words are both stirring and challenging: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! Do you think I have come to bring peace? No, but rather division” (Luke 12:49-53). The fire He speaks of is the fire of truth, love, and holiness—a fire that purifies, transforms, and spreads. But it also forces a choice, and that choice can divide, even within families and friendships.
We see this reality in our own time. Faithful Catholics are mocked for defending the sanctity of life, the dignity of marriage, and the Church’s teaching on human sexuality. Families can be torn when one member returns to the sacraments and another rejects the Church. Many young people struggle with whether to live their faith openly or hide it to “fit in” with a culture that dismisses belief as outdated or intolerant. Even within our parish life, there are those who hesitate to step forward in service, or who feel called to a vocation but hold back because they lack the support or approval of others. These are not abstract tensions—they are the very crossroads where the fire of Christ tests our loyalty.
Lukewarm faith has settled into too many hearts. It is easier to remain silent, to keep our religion neatly on the sidelines of life, to avoid the cost of commitment. But such faith will never transform the world—and it will never save a soul. Christ did not come to keep us comfortable; He came to make us holy. His fire is not to be feared—it is the flame that purifies our hearts, strengthens our resolve, and prepares us for eternal life.
Christ still longs to set the world ablaze, and He begins with us. His fire does not destroy—it warms the heart, lights the path, and draws others to His love. Yes, it may bring division, but it also brings clarity, courage, and purpose.
As we begin this new week, may the fire of Christ awaken in us a faith that is bold, joyful, and unafraid. May it move us to serve with generosity, love with sacrifice, and proclaim the Gospel with unwavering conviction. And when the road grows difficult, may we take heart, knowing we do not walk alone—for the Lord Himself goes before us, guiding every step.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Msgr. Cuong M. Pham