The Flame

This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.

There is something charmingly simple about today’s readings, on the memorial of Sts. Timothy and Titus. In the first reading from the letter to Timothy, Paul adjures his friend to stir into flame the gift of God: The spirit of power, and love, and self-control.

Interesting to note that Paul, in his great awareness of the difference between the New Covenant and the Old Covenant, does not admonish Timothy to follow all the specific guidelines he set out the last time they were together, or some such. He urges him to stir up the flame the gift of God, the Holy Spirit, the pledge of the New Covenant.

We have a mirror image of the first reading in today’s gospel, where Jesus states that the key to a close relationship with Him is to do the will of His Father.

And the will of God is precisely what St. Paul states: To invite the Sweet Guest into our souls, the Holy Spirit, and to listen closely to His promptings, allowing His purifying flame to ignite within us an ardent love of God and neighbor.

Ideas for conversation with the Lord: The famous and awe-inspiring prophet Elijah was taken up to Heaven in a chariot at the end of his life. Just beforehand, he asked what his disciple Elisha might like from him. Elisha boldly replied, “A double portion of your spirit.” (cf. 2 Kings 2:9) Be bold enough to ask Jesus for a double portion of His Holy Spirit. Will He deny you? “What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you, then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Lk. 11:11-13)