By Beth DeCristofaro
Jesus said to the crowds, "I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! (Luke 12:49-50)
Piety
Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Study
Jesus accepted his Baptism on the Cross and accomplished! Paul sure gets it. Sometimes I picture Paul as that guy on late night TV selling Ginsu knives. He yells how GREAT they are! He talks fast describing the benefits of the product. He twirls and chops with them to prove their value. He is so in your face! Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is both bold and beautifully poetic as he attempts to describe in mere mortal words the blaze set within his heart when he heard Christ call him by name.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul points out that God uses all our parts to further our awareness and living in God. In fact, Paul says, we are parts of the Body of Christ by Jesus’ baptism by death and resurrection. Can we feel that fire kindled? Has it banked and dulled since our weekend? Does it still blaze and propel us with gratitude and hope through each day? We don’t need to yell, posture or twirl our belief like Mr. Ginsu, we just need to live and act every day so that Christ’s light within shines before all so that all can see the glory of God.
Action
In what special way are you gifted to bring Christ’s fire to the world? Remember, Christ gifts us and we are called, Christ doesn’t call the gifted. Give thanks for the gift then go and spend it on building His kingdom today.
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