For the episcopalians.

On this Sunday, August 17th, 2025, the Catholic liturgy emphasizes Jesus as a figure who can bring about change and challenge existing norms. [1, 2]  

This theme is particularly highlighted in the Gospel reading from Luke 12:49-53: 

• "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!" 

• "Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division." 

• This passage describes how families may be divided due to their allegiances to Christ, highlighting the disruptive nature of his message and the potential for it to challenge even the closest relationships. [1, 3, 4, 5]  

The First Reading from Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10 also provides a parallel to the challenges faced by those who speak God's truth. 

• Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern for speaking words that disheartened the people and were perceived as not seeking their welfare. 

• However, Ebed-melech, a court official, rescued him, demonstrating how courage and faith can overcome opposition. [1, 3, 6, 7, 8]  

Finally, the Second Reading from Hebrews 12:1-4 encourages believers to persevere in their faith, keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus, who endured the cross despite the shame. This passage emphasizes that facing opposition is part of the Christian journey, but that following Jesus can lead to joy and perfection of faith. [1, 3, 9, 10, 11]  

Therefore, the message of today's readings is that following Jesus can be disruptive to the established order, even within families. By trusting in God and persevering in faith, one can find strength and hope in the face of these challenges. [1, 12, 13, 14]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.catholic.org/bible/daily_reading/?select_date=2025-08-17[2] https://www.vaticannews.va/en/word-of-the-day/2025/08/17.html[3] https://www.catholic.org/bible/daily_reading/[4] https://biblehub.com/q/how_is_jesus_both_divisive_and_unifying.htm[5] https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156953592587273&id=181458447272&set=a.432918427272[6] https://www.bibleclaret.org/sunday-reflections/107-blogs/celebrating-the-word-of-god[7] https://www.wordsoflife.co.uk/bible-studies/study-10-ebed-melech-a-work-of-rescue/[8] https://www.christianlibrary.org/authors/John_L_Kachelman_Jr/people-ot/ebed-melech.htm[9] https://religion.sadlierconnect.com/anonymous/view-resource/twl?productId=813&programSeriesId=91&programTocId=4107&resourceId=484713&hash=dW5kZWZpbmVk[10] https://biblehub.com/acts/5-40.htm[11] https://www.oahuchurch.org/podcast/refined-by-fire-overcoming-doubt[12] https://www.gbfranciscans.org/weekly-reflection/reflection-for-aug-17-2025[13] https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156953592587273&id=181458447272&set=a.432918427272[14] https://www.ccu.edu/blogs/cags/category/devotionals/embracing-life-challenges-keeping-the-faith-during-difficult-times/

Henry McClure  
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