The Fire of Truth and the Cost of Discipleship

Jer 38:4-6.8-10, Psalm: 39, Heb 12:1-4, Lk 12:49-53

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, today, we will reflect on what it means to embrace the fire of truth and the cost of discipleship. God’s purifying love demands our total surrender—even when it brings rejection, division, or suffering. This is not cruelty, but surgery for a world infected by sin. We will explore this theme through the lens of scripture, as we draw inspiration from the lives of faithful servants of God.

Let us begin with the prophet Jeremiah, who found himself in a dark and cold cistern, a pit of despair, as we read in Jeremiah 38. In this moment, Jeremiah is a man delivering God’s truth. Yet, it is received as a threat by those in power. We see that when we speak God’s truth, we often face resistance, opposition, and even persecution. The truth can make us uncomfortable, and sometimes, it can lead us to places we would rather avoid. But here lies the beauty of Jeremiah’s story. In his darkest hour, God uses unexpected instruments to rescue him. From the depths of despair, an Ethiopian eunuch named Ebed-melech bravely advocates for Jeremiah’s release. This is a reminder that God can use anyone, even those we might overlook, to fulfill His purpose. In the depths of our own cisterns, we must learn to recognize and welcome those unexpected instruments that God sends our way. And what does this cistern represent? It can be seen as a baptismal womb, a place of rebirth. In our struggles and challenges, we often experience spiritual renewal. When we are submerged in the waters of suffering, we emerge transformed, equipped to carry the flame of truth into the world. We must not despise our cisterns, for they are the places where God prepares us for greater things.

Now, let us turn our gaze to Hebrews 12, where we are encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, who have run the race and endured the trials. Their lives are testaments to the power of faith and perseverance. Yet, we must not overlook the shame that often accompanies our faith journey. Jesus Himself faced scorn and rejection. He bore the cross for our sake, and in doing so, He shows us that the path of discipleship is not always easy. Christ transformed the cross—a symbol of humiliation—into the throne of glory (CCC 617). It requires a willingness to endure hardship, to resist temptation, and to fight against the tide of societal expectations. Scripture tells us that we must resist to the point of shedding blood. This is not a call to violence, but rather a call to steadfastness in our faith. It is a reminder that true discipleship may cost us something dear. It may mean standing alone when others stray. It may mean sacrificing our comfort for the sake of truth.

Finally, let us consider the words of Jesus in Luke 12. He speaks of the fire that He has come to bring to the earth. This fire is the Holy Spirit, igniting our hearts and empowering us for His mission. But this fire also represents a baptism of suffering. As we embrace the fire of truth, we must be prepared for the divisions that it may bring. Jesus warns us that His message will not always be received in unity. Family members may turn against one another. But division does not equate to discord; rather, it is a necessary part of living out our faith in a world that often rejects the truth.

As we navigate our own journeys, I urge you to embrace the fire of truth in your daily life. First, identify your cistern. What is holding you back? What fears or doubts keep you from stepping boldly into your calling? Acknowledge those spaces and understand that they can become instruments of transformation. Next, fix your eyes on the crucified one. Remember that Jesus endured the cross for you. His example reminds us that the path to glory is often through suffering. When you feel overwhelmed, look to Him for strength and guidance. Then, pray for the fire. Ask the Holy Spirit to ignite your heart and to prepare you for the trials ahead. Let that fire illuminate your path and guide your steps as you live out your faith with passion and purpose. Lastly, love through division. In a world that often seeks to divide us, let us be instruments of peace. Love those who may disagree with us, for love is the greatest witness we can bear. In our divisions, let us strive for understanding and compassion, reflecting the heart of Christ.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, the fire of truth may burn brightly, and the cost of discipleship may be great. Yet, in it all, we find purpose and power. May we be bold in our witness, unyielding in our faith, and ever ready to embrace the transformative journey that God has set before us. Amen.