What is the fire of God’s love? For Catholics, fire is an ancient symbol for the presence of the Holy Spirit. In the same way fire purifies, the Holy Spirit transforms hearts. This kind of fire reawakens our faith and guides us in sharing God’s love.

From the burning bush, to the tongues of fire on Pentecost, and  the flames of hell, fire usually ignites fear (and not love). In our physical world, we see fires destroy homes, mountainsides, and neighborhoods. However, the fire of love is quite different.

As the story goes, an angel of God called to Moses from the burning bush. The fire was not in front of him, so Moses wandered down a path to get a closer look. In the words of scripture, 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’s love draws us closer to God and in turn, to the essence of who we are. This kind of fire invites us to love as God loves. 

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 of love in the lives of others and show them that their hearts can also be transformed and afire with Your love too. Amen.

What ignites your heart?