Fire has fascinated me for a very long time. Not in a “I want to burn everything” sense, but perhaps you could say in a more philosophical way. I remember a time when I was watching a fire burn in a firepit. I was mesmerized by the flames dancing around and consuming the wood, while “clean” smoke went straight into the air. It was chilly outside, and the evening was perfect.
It struck me that this bedazzling creation in front of me was also extremely painful. So painful, in fact, that its image was used to describe hell. At the same time, it was an Old Testament image for the presence of God – but that was a fire that did not consume – such as in the burning bush. I knew about wildfires, especially those in California, and their destructive powers, and I was aware of the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart, with their hearts burning with visible flames. The flames of the Holy Spirit descended on Mary and the Apostles in the upper room.
Fire’s elegance and its many meanings have stuck with me over the years, and it continues to fascinate me. I recall those in Emmaus, around 2,000 years ago, whose hearts burned with the revelation of the resurrection and no doubt with love for the Lord Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. They were so moved that they ran to share the good news!
The idea of sharing what I have learned and continue to learn in my journey with Christ, through times of darkness and light, has been burning in my heart. The question was not if but how. How could I go beyond the people I live with or those I meet daily? After much prayer and consultation, I decided that I could write my reflections and if someone benefits, praise the Lord!
This is the inspiration for the name of this simple blog.
Burning Hearts 