When Jesus tells his disciples 'I have come to bring fire to the earth' he is not referring to an impending apocalypse but rather a spiritual fire, an enthusiasm ignited by the Holy Spirit to believe, live and spread the Gospel of salvation.

Jesus' final encounter reinforces the urgency of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Aware of the distractions and impediments to discipleship Jesus cautions his followers to be resolute and focused.

Jesus' final encounter reinforces the urgency of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Aware of the distractions and impediments to discipleship Jesus cautions his followers to be resolute and focused.

This Gospel passage occurs at the Last Supper shortly before Jesus' arrest and it reveals his awareness that the disciples will have difficulty in comprehending the significance of all that is about to transpire.

The Feast of Pentecost takes place fifty days after Easter and celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, thus fulfilling the promise of Jesus.

This Sunday's Gospel serves as a precursor, both to the Ascension as well as the Feast of Pentecost and affirms explicitly the triune nature of God.

"Love is the light - and in the end, the only light - that can always illuminate a world grown dim and gives us the courage needed to keep living and working. Love is possible, and we are able to practice it because we are created in the image of God." Deus Caritas Est n.39