Come Holy Spirit Series
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Come Holy Spirit |
The Fire of Love — The Holy Spirit as Flame
1. Scriptural Roots: Fire as a
Sign of the Divine
From the burning bush in Exodus 3
to the tongues of fire at Pentecost in Acts 2, fire is one of the most powerful
and consistent biblical images of God’s presence. It reveals, purifies, and
empowers. The Holy Spirit as the Fire of Love captures all three of
these dimensions.
- Acts 2:3-4 — “Then
there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest
on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.”
- Matthew 3:11 — “He
will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Here, fire is not destructive but
transforming. It burns away sin, lukewarmness, and fear — making room for
divine love and holy zeal.
2. A Love That Consumes but
Does Not Destroy
The Holy Spirit, as the Fire of
Love, acts like the flame in the burning bush — alive, holy, drawing attention,
but not consuming. This fire refines rather than annihilates:
- It purifies our
intentions and hearts.
- It enflames our
love for God and others.
- It ignites the
Church for mission.
St. John of the Cross often
described the action of the Spirit as a living flame of love — a love
that wounds sweetly, heals deeply, and invites us into divine intimacy.
3. The Fire Within: Personal
Transformation
When we speak of being “on fire
with the Spirit,” we are not speaking metaphorically. The experience of the
Spirit can be just that powerful: stirring restlessness, bringing tears,
evoking joy, inspiring boldness, or calling to repentance.
Signs of this interior fire:
- A growing desire for prayer
and silence.
- A new compassion
for others, especially the suffering.
- A boldness in witness
and proclamation.
- A shedding of
spiritual apathy or coldness.
This fire brings both comfort
and challenge — warming our hearts but pushing us beyond ourselves.
4. The Fire That Unites and
Divides
Jesus said: “I came to cast
fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49).
The Spirit’s fire sometimes divides — not by hatred, but by decision. Those set
aflame with the Spirit’s love must choose: do I remain the same or surrender to
the fire?
This flame is not tame.
The Spirit burns away idols, illusions, and comforts. It calls us to love as
God loves — sacrificially, without conditions.
5. Prayer: Come, Fire
of Love
Come, Holy Spirit,
Fire of Love.
Burn away all in me that
resists Your will.
Kindle in me the flame of
divine affection —
for God, for others, for the poor, for truth.
Set my heart ablaze so
that others, drawn to the warmth,
may come to know the light of Christ.
Amen.
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