The people of California and Colorado endured the tragedy of fire last year. Seeing people returning home and finding nothing but ashes grips my heart. I remember driving through Washington, Illinois, after a tornado. People were walking up to a slab, seeing if there was anything to salvage. Tears filled my eyes, and I had a lump in my throat.
Isn’t it interesting that John the Baptist said that we would be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire? Why equate the Holy Spirit with fire? It is so destructive. Precisely, and that is the point. The word "purification" comes to mind.
Notice what the apostles saw on their heads at Pentecost, tongues of fire. The Holy Spirit "burned to ashes" how the disciples saw and related to Jesus and each other. He was no longer ‘a’ Teacher, ‘a’ prophet, even God’s Son. He became ‘their’ Teacher, ‘their’ Son of God and LORD.
Do you relate to Jesus in a personal way in prayer? Do you often think about Jesus present in your family and people you meet daily? What needs to be purified in your meaningful relationships? Take to heart the words of absolution in the Sacrament of Confession, "God the Father…has sent His Holy among us for the forgiveness of sin." Go to Jesus in the Sacrament and let Him IGNITE THE FIRE in you.
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Friday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time, December 1, 2023, Luke 21: 29-33 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120123.cfm The End Times – A New Beginning.
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle November 30, 2023, Matthew 4:18-22 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/113023.cfm When Jesus Comes Jesus can call us,
Father Rick’s Two-Minute for Wednesday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time, November 29, 2023, Luke 21: 12-19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112923.cfm A Wisdom No Adversary Can Refute. Religious persecution
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Tuesday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time November 28, 2023, Luke 21: 5-11 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112823.cfm Where is God’s Sanctuary? This gospel reminds
Monday Baptism of the Lord– 01-09-2023
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Monday Baptism of the Lord– 01-09-2023
Baptism of the Lord 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Matthew 3:13-17 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010923.cfm
THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FIRE.
The people of California and Colorado endured the tragedy of fire last year. Seeing people returning home and finding nothing but ashes grips my heart. I remember driving through Washington, Illinois, after a tornado. People were walking up to a slab, seeing if there was anything to salvage. Tears filled my eyes, and I had a lump in my throat.
Isn’t it interesting that John the Baptist said that we would be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire? Why equate the Holy Spirit with fire? It is so destructive. Precisely, and that is the point. The word "purification" comes to mind.
Notice what the apostles saw on their heads at Pentecost, tongues of fire. The Holy Spirit "burned to ashes" how the disciples saw and related to Jesus and each other. He was no longer ‘a’ Teacher, ‘a’ prophet, even God’s Son. He became ‘their’ Teacher, ‘their’ Son of God and LORD.
Do you relate to Jesus in a personal way in prayer? Do you often think about Jesus present in your family and people you meet daily? What needs to be purified in your meaningful relationships? Take to heart the words of absolution in the Sacrament of Confession, "God the Father…has sent His Holy among us for the forgiveness of sin." Go to Jesus in the Sacrament and let Him IGNITE THE FIRE in you.
IGNITE THE FIRE
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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Friday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time, December 1, 2023
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