“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Luke 12:49.)
Saint Basil the Great offers the following insight on this verse from today's Gospel:
“He also said, “I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled!” These flaming words from the lips of our Lord Jesus Christ reveal the malice of sin. He also reveals the excellence of good actions performed for the glory of God and his Christ. Then we are ready for the baptism of water, which is a type of the cross, death, burial and resurrection from the dead.
One who is prepared to be baptized in the name of the Holy Spirit is one who has been born anew, who undergoes a change of residence, habits and associates so that, walking by the Spirit, he may be ready to be baptized in the name of the Son and to put on Christ.” (Concerning Baptism)
One who is prepared to be baptized in the name of the Holy Spirit is one who has been born anew, who undergoes a change of residence, habits and associates so that, walking by the Spirit, he may be ready to be baptized in the name of the Son and to put on Christ.” (Concerning Baptism)
Collect
Almighty ever-living God,
grant that we may always
conform our will to Yours
and serve Your majesty
in sincerity of heart
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
grant that we may always
conform our will to Yours
and serve Your majesty
in sincerity of heart
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
