Thursday 22 October 2026 - Divided households

Thursday 22 October 2026 Today is Thursday the 22nd of October, in the 29th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing: Tui amoris ignem. Let me make these words my prayer, as I listen. ‘Holy Spirit, come to us. Kindle in us the fire of your love.’ Veni sancte spiritus, tui amoris ignem accende Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 12:49-53 ‘I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’ Much of our reading today is difficult to understand: bringing fire to the earth, bringing division and divided households. Speak with Jesus about any challenges you experience within you from hearing this passage. Perhaps the fire Jesus speaks of bringing to the earth signifies the passion and desire behind his mission. What do you long to see kindled in the world today? As you listen to the passage again, ask the Holy Spirit to help illuminate this passage for you in a new way. Luke 12:49-53 ‘I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’ Finally, just look back over the last few minutes, and reflect on all that you have felt and experienced during this time of reflection. Could you somehow turn that into a prayer to God? Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen