Some Sundays the Word of God comforts us. Today it disturbs us. Jeremiah is thrown into a pit for speaking the truth. Hebrews tells us that Christian life is a long-distance race, not a sprint. Jesus declares: “I have come to bring fire to the earth!”

This is not the “soft” Jesus of popular imagination. This is the real Jesus — the One who unsettles us, who burns away false peace, and who sets our hearts on fire.

• Jeremiah’s pit reminds us: truth has a cost. Silence before evil is not peace — it is complicity.

• Hebrews reminds us: holiness is not reached by accident. The race of faith is won by perseverance, not brilliance.

• The Gospel reminds us: the peace of Jesus is never compromise with sin. Fire purifies, but it also divides. Integrity will disturb those who prefer half-truths.

Real discipleship costs something.

• Justice may cost influence.
• Honesty may cost popularity.
• Chastity may cost friendships.
• Preaching the truth may cost applause.

For those in consecrated life, vows are not just symbols — they are fire: poverty against greed, chastity against lust, obedience against pride.

The question Jesus asks today is: Will you let My fire burn in you?

A faith that never disturbs us is a safe, edited version of Jesus. The world needs disciples on fire — Jeremiahs ready for the pit, runners who do not give up, and hearts burning with Christ’s love.

Lord Jesus, set our hearts ablaze. Burn away fear, and make us torches of Your truth.th.