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.

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.