Here’s a Thought #1

Light a fire!

In the USofA, the three political parties are in full campaign mode attempting to fire up their particular bases and keep them lit up through the November election and into the future.

Catholic leadership uses the image of lighting a fire in the hearts of believers to get us excited about God, church, and parish involvement.  Evangelicals call for revival using similar imagery.  And, so does our least Society of Jesus: “Go light a fire!” or “Hearts on fire.”

I wonder whether this is the better image for life and discipleship.  Actually, I don’t believe it is, for me anyway, and for adults in general.  I wonder whether being grounded & rooted in God is a better image.  It’s different from being stuck in old ways, from old opinions.  It’s more about being rooted in Christ by ongoing exploration of one’s interior life, motives, and sense of mission as connected with a disciple’s engagement in and with the world.

Perhaps this may become a discussion over the latter part of the summer.  We’ll see.  What are the pros and cons of this image of “lighting a fire” for you?

I posted this video a bit ago.  Some of you may recognize it.  I added a new audio voiceover.  Let me know what comes up for you.  Blessings! –roc,sj