These words stir something deep within me. They speak of a holy urgency – of the hunger of Christ for every heart to burn with love for God. This is not a tame fire. It is a fire that purifies, illuminates, and transforms. It is a fire that once kindled, will not be contained.

The next time Luke writes of fire, it is in Acts 2:3-4. ‘Divided tongues, as of fire appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.’

The disciples, once hidden and hesitant, are suddenly empowered to proclaim the Good News, in every tongue and to every nation. This is what happens when the fire of God rests upon a life – it cannot help but give life and warmth to the world.

St Catherine of Sienna said, ‘Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.’

Christ’s longing is that this fire would blaze in us – not for our own sake, but so that his love and truth may reach every corner of the earth.

Today, may we open ourselves to the Spirit’s flame. May we allow God to share with us his hunger, kindle passion and empower us to be bearers of his light.

Come Holy Spirit. Set our hearts ablaze. Amen.

By Christine Da Costa