The LORD heard my cry. He drew me out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud of the swamp; he set my feet upon a crag; he made firm my steps. Lord, come to my aid!

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 12:49-53, today's readings).

Jesus said to his disciples: "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division."

Jesus tells the disciples that he comes to bring fire to the earth through his baptism of purification. He makes clear that his message will lead to division, even among families, as some accept it but others reject it. Similarly, in the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah faces opposition as he proclaims the truth about Jerusalem's coming destruction. He is put in prison by those who view his message as demoralizing. Both readings reveal the conflict that arises from the truth. There are real challenges and divisions that believers encounter when standing up for God's word, but there is also steadfast hope for deliverance amid conflict and adversity.

God, what is the unity and hope you bring to believers even as they experience division and trial? Let the psalmist's prayer be mine. You come to the aid of those who wait patiently for you and you stoop toward them to hear and deliver them. "And he put a new song into my mouth, a hymn to our God. Many shall look on in awe and trust in the LORD." You draw me out of all that would mire me and keep me from you, setting my feet on solid ground. Give me the grace, Lord, to endure opposition and adversity as I listen for your voice and persevere in running the race that lies before me. Lord, come to my aid!

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.