Faith Matters – Flickering

“How’s the weather?”

What a change we have experienced in the weather over the last week. Gone are the days over fifteen degrees with some warm sunny periods. The rain has come, the wind cuts through you and being outside is invigorating at best. However, as Victorians we love the seasons. We long for the change and the challenge each season brings. Winter is exciting because it’s a time for reflection, long evenings and open fires.

On Sunday we celebrated the great feast of Pentecost. In the Acts of the Apostles we read of the tongues of fire that sat above the head of each of the Apostles. What a spectacular event! Our critical minds want more though. It is not known whether the tongues of fire are literal but what we do know is that the image is the best description Luke can offer about the event. Mystical experiences are like that. They are so overwhelming and complete they are almost impossible to describe in detail. Simple images offer depth though.

When we contemplate the image of fire there is much to explore. As a metaphor, fire is a wonderful way to describe the Holy Spirit. Fire brings light; just as the Spirit illuminates and animates our heart, our mind and our desires. Fire warms us; just as the Spirit does and energy we are given radiates outwards as a fire does. Fire spreads easily; just like the love of the Spirit.

But more than this, fire tests and purifies. Gold is tested by fire. What is not pure is stripped away. In the bush, in a similar way, fire clears away what obscures and allows seeds to grow in the ash and sunlight. Fire is used by the potter to reveal beauty. In the kiln the dull glaze becomes bright and vibrant exposing the brilliant colour underneath. It also strengthens the clay so that it becomes hard and durable. All of these examples are true of God’s Spirit also.

As you contemplate what occurred at Pentecost know that all of these examples are parallels of how the fire of the Holy Spirit brings purity, light, strength and beauty in your life. During confirmation we receive the Holy Spirit in a physical way. From St Peter to the bishop or priest and then to you, there is an unbroken line of passing on the Spirit by laying of hands. At confirmation we feel the warmth and receive the fruits and gifts that will guide and support us through our adult Christian life.

As we contemplate Pentecost we also know that fire can be destructive. When it’s uncontrolled fire kills and destroys what is good. In Ukraine fire is often the intentional after effect of bombs and other weapons. We pray for the people of Ukraine but also understand that the image of Pentecost is the converse of destructive. The tongues of flame do not harm or consume anything they simply exist and paradoxically the fire brings life. God illustrates his love through the perfect use of creation to offer a symbol that in itself becomes a mystery. Contemplating this mystery brings us closer to him and we become more aware of our desire to respond to his revelation.

The Spirit moves! The image of Pentecost is infinitely more beautiful than can be offered in a short article. But I think you can test these thoughts at home. Light a candle and be mesmerised by that single flickering tongue of flame. What happens in your heart and mind? When you are filled with what is revealed through this challenge, light a fire and look into the fire. How do the coals create the flame? How grateful are you for the warmth on these cold winter nights? We are enraptured by fire. There is nothing more perfect on a dark cold winter's night than God’s Spirit given freely – but a warm fire can almost feel the same.

#godinallthings

Yours in Christ,

Brendan Nicholls

Liturgy Coordinator and FIRE Carrier