Fire

[XIX]

It's funny how often I hear people say "I want to be on fire for Christ!" Or "Come Holy Spirit, set our hearts ablaze!" "Fan the flame!"

etc. etc. etc.

It sounds so peaceful, so wonderful, so romantic and everything. And while those descriptions are not wrong, I wonder ow many people really think about what they are saying when they say they want to be on fire. In fact, this just dawned on me maybe a week ago, but it's funny how many people seem to completely overlook this one detail:

Fire hurts. A lot.

Being a Christian isn't supposed to be easy.



I'm just thinking out loud.

[KnightofChrist]

You make since to me. Somewhat reminds me of those that say "I spoke to God" or "I saw God" Really? Wow... because your hair is not white as snow and your not on the ground trembling in fear so... did you really see God?

[saintwannabe 777]

[quote name='KnightofChrist' post='1863960' date='May 11 2009, 12:04 AM']You make since to me. Somewhat reminds me of those that say "I spoke to God" or "I saw God" Really? Wow... because your hair is not white as snow and your not on the ground trembling in fear so... did you really see God?[/quote]

Woah, that is not right. I know plenty of people who are faithful Catholics who are gifted in the spirit who speak to God or have seen God. I know where you're coming from but could you be more respectful to people who say that with sincerity.

[Guest]

[quote name='KnightofChrist' post='1863960' date='May 10 2009, 11:04 PM']You make since to me. Somewhat reminds me of those that say "I spoke to God" or "I saw God" Really? Wow... because your hair is not white as snow and your not on the ground trembling in fear so... did you really see God?[/quote]

Well you can see God when you talk to a homeless man who is begging for money on the streets. You can see God when you have expericned something supernatural wether it be through a vision or some other working of the Holy Spirit (although there are false signs the devil will use to). Does your hair really have to turn white for you to have encountered God or have spoken to Him ? Don't we recieve God in the eucharist ? Shouldnt we be on fire for God if were recieving the eucharist ? Aren't we eating his flesh and drinking his blood ? It does baffles me though how catholics can take the eucharist with no fear of God.

Edited May 12, 2009 by Guest

[saintwannabe 777]

[quote name='Delivery Boy' post='1864514' date='May 11 2009, 08:38 PM']Well you can see God when you talk to a homeless man who is begging for money on the streets. You can see God when you have expericned something supernatural wether it be through a vision or some other working of the holy spirit. Does your hair really have to turn white for you to have encountered God or spoke to himi ? Don't we recieve God in the eucharist ? Aren't we eating his flesh and drinking his blood ?[/quote]

I think he means people who claim to have seen Jesus Christ and have had other mystical manefestations. Bit I tell you, I believe that everybody could see Jesus if they immerse themselves in the Charismatic Gifts and take on a life of prayer and dedication and prayer. Someone will say, well aren't people doing that now. I will say yes, and eventually, they will see the King in a powerful way. I believe that seeing the supernatural is a much more ordinary event than people make it out to be.

[Guest]

[quote name='saintwannabe 777' post='1864518' date='May 11 2009, 07:41 PM']I think he means people who claim to have seen Jesus Christ and have had other mystical manefestations. Bit I tell you, I believe that everybody could see Jesus if they immerse themselves in the Charismatic Gifts and take on a life of prayer and dedication and prayer. Someone will say, well aren't people doing that now. I will say yes, and eventually, they will see the King in a powerful way. I believe that seeing the supernatural is a much more ordinary event than people make it out to be.[/quote]

Well I have seen the supernatural and I could careless if anyone believes me or thinks I'm worthy to have seen it. I have stayed in prayer for the last I dont know how many years. By prayer I mean constanly talking to God( mainly I think the Holy Spirit but none the less God). Not necessarily praying a rosary or constanly saying our fathers and halimarys. Although I think I would benefit more if I prayed this way more often. But regardless if you seek God He Is going to respond to you as long as it's with a sincere heart.

Edited May 12, 2009 by Guest

[Guest]

[quote name='XIX' post='1863954' date='May 11 2009, 12:00 AM']It's funny how often I hear people say "I want to be on fire for Christ!" Or "Come Holy Spirit, set our hearts ablaze!" "Fan the flame!"

etc. etc. etc.

It sounds so peaceful, so wonderful, so romantic and everything. And while those descriptions are not wrong, I wonder ow many people really think about what they are saying when they say they want to be on fire. In fact, this just dawned on me maybe a week ago, but it's funny how many people seem to completely overlook this one detail:

Fire hurts. A lot.

Being a Christian isn't supposed to be easy.



I'm just thinking out loud.[/quote]


Peace Bro
I think there are alot of sincere non denominational christians who are on fire for God(other denominations to for that matter). By this I mean they are constanly in His word and their lives revolve around God. I think there are cathoilcs who are on fire for God to but I dont see it as much. Although I think the catholics who really are on fire for God do a better job at letting their actions speak for it rather then telling you "i'm so on fire for God " And then I agree that there are tons of christians who claim to be on fire for God but who are really not. They have no fear of God and often have a self righteous attitude that is the farthest thing from God. Fire hurts I would agree with that. Not always physically but sometimes emotionally and mentally.

Edited May 12, 2009 by Guest

[Guest]

The scripture that tells us to be hot or cold comes to mind. I would venture to say that being hot for God would equal being on "fire" for Him. And if you're not on fire for Him it's better to be cold becuase we know God hates those who are lukewarm.

[virginiancatholic]

The theological concept and symbolism of fire is pretty varied and it can point to many different things. I can represent God himself or the presence of God, as with the case of the "Covenant of the Pieces" (Gen 15:17), the burning bush (Exodus 3:2), and of course, Pentacost (Acts 2). I can represent punishment, Hell, passion, and love. I think the most frequently used image is that of the purifying fire, the fire which refines and burns away all of the muckiness that has attached itself to souls. It purges sin from the earth and from the soul, such as at Sodom and Gomorrah, the prophecies of the end times, as well as the purification of Isaiah's lips.

The Holy Spirit has chosen fire as the symbol of his presence. If this is what people mean by wanting to be "on fire for the Lord," then more power to them, for the desire for fervor and to be totally "consumed in love" is pleasing to God (if St. Therese and Theresa of Avila and other mystics are to be believed). In Revelations chapter one, "one like the son of man" is described as having "eyes like fire." This internal fire, as it were, appears to denote the passion and power of God. I'm not offering a translation here, simply an understanding for the image.

[quote]It's funny how often I hear people say "I want to be on fire for Christ!" Or "Come Holy Spirit, set our hearts ablaze!" "Fan the flame!"

etc. etc. etc.

It sounds so peaceful, so wonderful, so romantic and everything. And while those descriptions are not wrong, I wonder ow many people really think about what they are saying when they say they want to be on fire. In fact, this just dawned on me maybe a week ago, but it's funny how many people seem to completely overlook this one detail:

Fire hurts. A lot.

Being a Christian isn't supposed to be easy[/quote]

The love of God is described as an all-consuming, everlasting fire. You are right, fire does hurt...a lot...especially the love of God. It really does hurt to come to sainthood...read the lives of the saints and you'll see plenty of evidence of fire.

One of the best explanations of this is in Song of Songs, chapter 8 I think (Song of Solomon, depending on your version). "For love is as strong as death, unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away."

I think sometimes in their ignorance folks initially forget or don't even realize the immense depth and intensity of the love that they seek and claim to desire, and get lost in the euphoric appearance of everlasting-temporal joy and physical pleasure. Just smile and pray; they will either loose heart (God forbid), or they will be shocked when the real thing confronts them and rise to the challenge.

Edited May 20, 2009 by virginiancatholic

[jwingert72]

[quote name='Delivery Boy' post='1864514' date='May 11 2009, 07:38 PM']Well you can see God when you talk to a homeless man who is begging for money on the streets. You can see God when you have expericned something supernatural wether it be through a vision or some other working of the Holy Spirit (although there are false signs the devil will use to). Does your hair really have to turn white for you to have encountered God or have spoken to Him ? Don't we recieve God in the eucharist ? Shouldnt we be on fire for God if were recieving the eucharist ? Aren't we eating his flesh and drinking his blood ? It does baffles me though how catholics can take the eucharist with no fear of God.[/quote]

How many times have other questioned someones sincerety when they have experienced the true presence of God in their lives. We must not fail to realize that if God is who we say he is then we better be prepared to meet him at anytime, anyplace, and in anyone, right. Beautiful words Delivery Boy, beautiful words. Thanks! From a little mystical charismatic franciscan handmaid who is studying theology and dedicating her life to that very fire. Yes, ouch, but wouldn't change a thing except my weak little soul.

[quote name='virginiancatholic' post='1871817' date='May 20 2009, 12:11 PM']The Holy Spirit has chosen fire as the symbol of his presence. If this is what people mean by wanting to be "on fire for the Lord," then more power to them, for the desire for fervor and to be totally "consumed in love" is pleasing to God (if St. Therese and Theresa of Avila and other mystics are to be believed). ...

The love of God is described as an all-consuming, everlasting fire. You are right, fire does hurt...a lot...especially the love of God. It really does hurt to come to sainthood...read the lives of the saints and you'll see plenty of evidence of fire.[/quote]

May we all be able to accept His all-consuming, everlasting fire within our hearts. Yes, it doesn't hurt, but the joy within the midst of the pain is not of this world. Taste of the next and it is something we should all seek to desire. Especially those being dragged like a donkey to the perfection of personal holiness no matter how stubborn or small we maybe. We NEED more saints, so everyone have courage and ask for the fire of the Holy Spirit. Amen!

[CatherineM]

Mother Teresa said God spoke to her.

[Ziggamafu]

The angels closest to God are the burning ones, as well. I've mentioned this before, the idea that Hell may be the state of one who has died in opposition to love, being plunged into the depths of the fires of eternal Love; forever frozen in eternity with their backs turned to the fires, never able to get away but "separated" in the sense of never being able to see God or get past the purgatorial pain of the fires of eternal Love. Purgatory would then be the temporary, initial experience of eternal Love, while Heaven would be the everlasting sight / experience of the "fire" (God) for those who embrace it, who are refined into perfected glory by it.