Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 ~ Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 ~ Matthew
17:10-13
“Like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words
were as a flaming furnace.” Sirach 48:1
My reaction to fire is mixed. On cold December nights I
really like the flame in my furnace. It lets me know that the house will be
warm. I like the flame in my fireplace: it provides a special illumination in
our family room. These flames make our life more comfortable. Fire can also
make things quite uncomfortable. It can burn and destroy. It is used to refine
out impurities in metals. It’s light can expose things that are hidden in the
dark. Prophets like Elijah and John the Baptist – fire in God’s hands –
illumine the way to God. But they also shine a light on aspects of my life I
would prefer to keep hidden. They comfort me with the promises of God but also
challenge me with God’s righteousness. No wonder my reaction to prophets is
also mixed.
God, let the fire of your word, burn in my mind and heart.
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