Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C (2025)
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Last Sunday’s Readings called us to a deeper understanding of faith and trust in God’s promises. In Hebrews, the Epistle likely written by St. Paul for Jewish Christians, he declares: “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1. The Readings gave us the example of Abraham’s unwavering faith in the face of insurmountable odds, which led to the miraculous birth of his son Isaac and the promise of numerous descendants, forever shaping the course of nations. This Sunday’s Readings present profound and challenging truths as the Word of God calls us to consider the cost of faith, discipleship, and the courage required in a world that often resists the truth. The First Reading from the Prophet Jeremiah presents a stark image of suffering for the sake of truth. Jeremiah’s ministry was marked by significant hardship and opposition. He proclaimed God’s decree that Jerusalem and its temple would be overthrown, a message that was met with disbelief and hostility, and consequently, he was thrown into a cistern, sinking into the mud, left to die of hunger. Jeremiah’s experience shows the often-unwelcome nature of truths. The Second Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews stays with the theme of enduring hardship for a greater purpose. We are exhorted to “persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.” — Hebrews 12:1b-2a. The Reading emphasizes that Jesus himself, “For the sake of the joy that lay before Him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.” — Hebrews 12:2b. They call us to consider Jesus’ endurance that, “may not grow weary and lose heart.” Finally, the Gospel Reading presents a startling, challenging teaching of Jesus that can be misinterpreted: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! … Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” — Luke 12:49, 51. He then expounds division as family members against one another: “a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother” — Luke 12:53. The “division” that Jesus denotes is not an provocation to conflict merely for the sake of it, but rather a consequence of committing oneself to Him. Christ desires peace, love, and compassion, not conflict; however, His truth demands a deep-rooted commitment and can challenge even the most harmonious family relationships.
In our own lives, we, too, will encounter moments when our faith is tested. Faith will challenge us to make uncomfortable choices that may set us apart from those who do not share our convictions. Our commitment to following Christ may require sacrifices in our relationships and society. This is a test of our fidelity to God and the Gospel.
Let us embrace the challenges of discipleship with courage, knowing that Christ is with us in our struggles. We must not become tired or discouraged, but instead keep our focus on Jesus, who initiated and perfected our faith, and who has already triumphed over the world. May the fire of His love purify us, and may we, through our perseverance, bear witness to His transformative power in a world that desperately needs His truth and peace.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.