Tuesday October 24, 2017
What is this fire that Jesus has brought into this world, the fire that he longs to see burning? It is the fire of the Holy Spirit, the fire of God’s love for people and people’s love for God, a fire that reveals the desires of the human heart.
Today, the Church honors St. Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870). St. Claret had a missionary heart that was on fire, and he greatly desired that his co-workers must share the same fire. His dream for his missionaries is instructive for us as well. This person must be
“on fire with love, who spreads its flames wherever he goes. He desires mightily and strives by all means possible to set the whole world on fire with God's love. Nothing daunts him; he delights in privations, welcomes work, embraces sacrifices, smiles at slander, and rejoices in suffering. His only concern is how he can best follow Jesus Christ and imitate Him in working, suffering, and striving constantly and single-mindedly for the greater glory of God and the salvation of souls.” (Claret, Autobiography, #494)
