Holy Spirit – Consuming Fire

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Kgs18:20-39; PS 16:1b-2ab, 4, 5ab and 8, 11; Mt 5:17-19
Notes: The Holy Spirit is a consuming fire.

A consuming fire taking away that which is not good for humans or good in humans.

And

Life contains decisions. Decisions have consequences.

Fire

For our God is a consuming fire (Heb 12:29)
For the LORD, your God, is a consuming fire, a jealous God (Dt 4:24).
In Zion sinners are in dread, trembling grips the impious: “Who of us can live with consuming fire? who of us can live with everlasting flames?(Isa 33:14)

Decisions

How often in our own lives we straddle the issue? Elijah appeals, pleads and begs the people to decide.

Elijah appealed to all the people and said, “How long will you straddle the issue? If the LORD is God, follow him; if Baal, follow him.” The people, however, did not answer him.

First reading
“How long will you straddle the issue?
If the LORD is God, follow him; if Baal, follow him.”

Elijah then pleads with the Lord to help them see.

LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things by your command.

Answer me, LORD!
Answer me, that this people may know that you, LORD, are God and that you have brought them back to their senses.”

The LORD’s fire came down
and consumed the burnt offering, wood, stones, and dust, and it lapped up the water in the trench. Seeing this, all the people fell prostrate and said, “The LORD is God! The LORD is God!”

Responsorial Psalm
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

Alleluia Verse
Teach me your paths, my God,
and guide me in your truth.

Gospel Portion
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.

A cleansing fire is the Holy Spirit making us a new creation.

And

• Hearing and seeing is a decision.
• Obedience is a decision.
• Teaching is a decision.
• Love is a decision.

Let the Lord do his work in us, for us and with us.

The Holy Spirit is always working with and in persons and Peoples to refine and purify life in general and life as personal. Focus on hearing and seeing his work. Teach and love his person.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry