Kneeling in worship before God, Paul prays to the Father from whom every family on heaven and earth has received its name. In his prayer, Paul expresses his desire that all his readers will be strengthened inwardly in power through the Holy Spirit and that Christ dwells in their hearts through faith. Then, he asks that they be rooted and grounded in love and fully comprehend with all the believers what the full dimensions of Christ's love are.

However, to know the love of Christ has its own demands, says Jesus, in the Gospel today. At the end of time, when he returns as the Son of man, he will judge human beings based on how much love they themselves have shown. Jesus reminds his listeners that, while he is the perfect manifestation of God's love, he is already engaged in the task of lighting a fire on earth. In fact, judgement is already taking place as people decide for or against Christ. Jesus came not to spread a soft gospel but one that demands true Christian discipleship.

Therefore, the knowledge of God's love must motivate us towards making a decision. We are either for or against Christ. To choose Christ is to love him and to be obedient to his commandment to love. As his followers, we cannot to ignore or procrastinate making this decision. There may still be time to do so, but be warned, says Jesus. Do not put it off for too long. When judgement comes, it may be too late.