Our baptismal rite instructs the parents and godparents of the newly baptized children, “May they keep the flame of faith alive in their hearts.” Faith has often been associated with fire. While fire can be useful and welcomed as a source of light and warmth, it can also be devastating and destructive. The Gospel is very much like this. On the one hand, Jesus speaks of healing, liberty, mercy, and forgiveness. On the other, he challenges the secular mindset and ideology, risks opposition, and pushes people out of their comfort zones. We are more attracted to things that make us feel better about ourselves. Equipped with the flame of faith, are we willing to see the bigger picture and risk popularity and self-preservation in favor of the kingdom of God?