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.
December 12, 2024, Luke 1:26-38 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121224.cfm “Finding Favor with God?” Angel Gabriel knew his message to Mother Mary was challenging to grasp, and he told
December 8, 2024, Luke 1:26-38 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120924.cfm May it be done to me according to your word. Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
12-07-2024, Matthew 9:27-35; 10:1; 5a, 6-8 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120724.cfm One Sheep at a Time. That’s All I Can Carry Some days, I wonder, ‘How will I get
12-05-2024, Matthew 9:27-31 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120624.cfm JESUS CURED TWO BLIND MEN – MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN A true Story: I couldn’t find my vaccination card when I came
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
or .
Share:
More Posts
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 12, 2024, Luke 1:26-38 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121224.cfm “Finding Favor with God?” Angel Gabriel knew his message to Mother Mary was challenging to grasp, and he told
Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 8, 2024, Luke 1:26-38 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120924.cfm May it be done to me according to your word. Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Saturday 1st Week of Advent
12-07-2024, Matthew 9:27-35; 10:1; 5a, 6-8 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120724.cfm One Sheep at a Time. That’s All I Can Carry Some days, I wonder, ‘How will I get
Fr. Rick’s One Minute Homily Friday 1st Week of Advent
12-05-2024, Matthew 9:27-31 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120624.cfm JESUS CURED TWO BLIND MEN – MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN A true Story: I couldn’t find my vaccination card when I came
Categories
Send Us A Message