https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011126.cfm
The Holy Spirit And Fire.
I love John the Baptist. He sees Jesus and, excited, says, “I need to be baptized by you.”
He felt his heart beat faster. How long he waited for this moment, to be baptized by Jesus for the forgiveness of his sins, to love Jesus more than my sins.
How I want John’s excitement -the forgiveness of my sins.
A couple of verses before today’s gospel from Matthew, John told the people and us,
“I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire.”
John was waiting to meet Jesus. He knew Him as his cousin, but not as the Son of God.
Like John, we need purification, even daily, and the Fire of the Holy Spirit is that purification. I started thinking about fire.
It’s humbling when nature acts on us. I recall driving through Washington, Illinois, after a tornado, seeing people assess damage. I felt tears and a lump in my throat.
All that was left was a driveway and steps leading up to the house.
We remember recent fires in our country. It grips my heart when I saw people returning to find nothing but ashes. Isn’t it interesting that John the Baptist said we’d be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire?
Why relate the Holy Spirit to fire, which is so destructive? The point is that fire symbolizes purification, renewal, and hope for a better life. Notice what the apostles saw on their heads at Pentecost: tongues of fire.
This fire of the Holy Spirit “burned to ashes” how the disciples saw and related to Jesus and each other. It transformed their understanding, making their faith more personal and powerful.
Jesus became their Son of God and LORD; someone they could trust to follow. They inspire us to seek that same relationship with Jesus and experience His renewing fire. Jesus’ baptism prepared Him to preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins, which brings good news to the poor.
Gospel Challenge:
Do you share your thoughts and how you feel about what is happening in your life? And do you seek the Presence of Jesus in your family and daily encounters, especially the difficult ones?
What needs purification in our relationships so Jesus can be with us? What thoughts, words and behaviors keep us from loving Jesus in each other?
Remember the words of absolution: “God the Father…has sent His Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sin.”
Go to Jesus in the Sacrament and let Him IGNITE THE FIRE in you. There is no other way to be free!
For truly, we are all His beloved sons and daughters.
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying that all baptized Catholics be faithful to Jesus at the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com
