As an artist, I am always reflecting on the mysteries of our faith, striving to comprehend the divine through analogies and pictures. So, as I reflect on the Holy Spirit and the tongues of fire that bestowed the Sacrament of Confirmation on the first disciples at Pentecost, I think of the life-altering power of fire.
We might say that fire changed the course of history in two extraordinary ways. By learning to control the element of fire, literally a million years ago, our ancestors were gifted with the ability to stay warm, cook food, create more advanced hunting tools, ward off predators, and venture into harsh climates. Before that, people were smaller, lived shorter lives, and were destined to stay within small geographical areas. Uncontrolled fire meant death and destruction; controlled fire led to abundant life and potential.
A second form of fire transformed history again two thousand years ago at Pentecost and it continues to spread as each Catholic receives Confirmation. God taught early man to harness fire so he could advance physically; later, He bestowed on us Heaven’s fire to grow spiritually. Both are powerful forces, but with an important difference. The Holy Spirit’s divine fire distinguishes good and evil – destroying what is not of God and forging and refining what is.
When we call down the power of the Holy Spirit through sacrament and prayer, this fire unleashes a whole new set of gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Gifts designed to lead us to abundant life and potential that will reach far beyond our earthly lives now.
Heaven’s fire has transformed the world more profoundly than earth’s fire ever could. Earth’s fire helped people grow physically larger; God’s Holy Fire helps our hearts grow larger, better poised to love Him and help others. Now, our lives do not just live longer on earth, but our souls are prepared to live for all eternity; and rather than just emigrating to other regions of a limited planet, heaven is preparing us for an eternal future beyond any of our imaginations with the Father, Son, and their Spirit.
Scripture: Read Luke 12:49. What stands out?
Call to Action: Draw closer to the Holy Spirit by praying to Him every day. I use the “Prayers to the Holy Spirit” prayer card that you can find by the doors of the churches.
