fire

Combustion in the form of flames and heat. For Catholics, fire is an ancient symbol for the presence of the Holy Spirit. In the same way fire purifies, the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts, reawakens our faith, and guides us in sharing and receiving God’s love.

From the burning bush, to the tongues of fire on Pentecost, and  the flames of hell, fire naturally ignites fear. In our physical world, fires destroy homes, mountainsides, and neighborhoods. However, the fire of God is quite different.

As the story goes, an angel of God called to Moses from the burning bush. The bush was not in front of him, so Moses wandered down a path to get a closer look. In the words of the Bible, he “turned aside.” He stopped what he was doing and paid attention to something far greater and that is when he heard God call his name. Standing there, on that holy ground, Moses began his journey to becoming who God meant him to be. 

The fire of God’s love illuminates, it does not destroy. The fire of God draws us closer to God and in turn, to the essence of who we are. God simply asks that we notice and turn aside.

Dear God,

Just as you did with Moses, guide me to the fire of Your love. Ignite in me the fire of courage to fight for what is right and to follow Your footsteps. Transform my heart to ignite light where there is only darkness. Help me be the light in the lives of others and show them that their hearts can also be transformed and afire with Your love. Amen.

What ignites your heart?