Saint Rita Catholic Church and School in Webster, NY - An Introduction to the Sunday Scripture Readings

“Keep Our Eyes Fixed On Jesus”

All three readings this Sunday explore the cost of being a disciple of the Lord. In our first reading, we hear the cost visited upon the Prophet Jeremiah for speaking the truth God commanded him to speak. In the Gospel reading, Jesus prepared His disciples for the division and conflict that would come their way. Just as in the days of old, we also may encounter division in the name of Jesus. In our Epistle, we hear how we are to live out God’s call, “keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.”

In our first reading (Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10), we hear the story of how Zedekiah, King of Judah, at the urging of the court princes, sent Jeremiah to a certain death at the bottom of a cistern. But then at the urging of the court eunuch Ebed-Melech, the King reversed himself and rescued Jeremiah. Jeremiah was following God’s call “to root up and to tear down, to destroy and to demolish, to build up and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:10)

In our Epistle reading (Hebrews 12:1-4), the author of Hebrews teaches us that Jesus had a purpose for how He endured the cross and the opposition from sinners. It was for the “sake of the joy that lay before Him” as He took His seat at the right hand of God and so that we might not grow weary and lose heart.

In our Gospel reading (Luke 12:49-53), Jesus used the symbol of fire to illustrate the division the Word of God could bring. Fire was often used as a metaphor for cleansing and purification. Even the presence of God was referenced as a consuming fire or burning bush or pillar of smoke. Jesus made clear to His followers that many would turn away from the Word of God and there would be division, even within families.

The way of the disciple of Jesus is not an easy one. ’Go along to get along’ is not typically in our calling. We are called to speak God’s truth when the world seeks darkness. We are called to live this truth regardless of how others receive it. We are called to be witnesses by our actions as well as our words. We do this “for the sake of the joy” that lies before us. And how are we to do this? Today’s Epistle tells us how: “Rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us . . . and persevere in running the race that lies before us by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.”

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081725.cfm