The Refiner's Fire

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

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Prophet of Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24

Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.

But who will endure the day of his coming?

And who can stand when he appears?

For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver,

and he will purify the sons of Levi,

Refining them like gold or like silver

that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.


For he is like the refiner’s fire  I love this image as described by the Prophet Malachi.  Our Lord is like the Refiner's fire, crafting us in his holy image.  We are pieces of silver or gold, always a treasure in the Lord's eyes, with unique physical characteristics, personalities, and talents. God brands us with the fire of his love.  It's up to us to recognize this love.  Do we us our unique talents to preach the good news to others?

God refines and purifies our souls on a continuous basis.  When life scorches us with troubles, God cares for us.  When life becomes a bright star full of joy, God celebrates with us.  Do we recognize God's presence in the little things we experience on a daily basis?

The refining of our inner souls is a life long process.  We may go for years cursing and blaspheming God thinking he's the reason life is so wrong.  It's not God's fault!  He gives us free will to choose the path we wish to take. We can choose to drop out of high school or college, with marginal skills to land us a good job.  We can choose to abuse alcohol and/or drugs, pushing us away from our family and friends.  We can choose to be promiscuous, subjecting ourselves to STD's.  If we decide to make poor decisions, do we realize our error and ask for God's forgiveness?  Or do we continue on our rocky pathway to destruction?

Purity of soul is something the Saints spoke of often.  When we think of purity, we think of young children who have not yet become "tainted" by life's temptations.  God gives us the opportunity to return to purity even in our older years.  We may have fallen into unchaste actions and addictions, but God offers us a window to healing.  It's as if his heart is so on fire for us that he's willing to literally "burn away" our past indiscretions if we turn back to him!

As we celebrate the Birth of Christ this week, picture the fire of  Jesus's Sacred Heart burning inside your own heart.  Are the flames high brilliant, or are the flames smoldering, on the verge of going out?

Kindle yourself up to the Lord!  Allow the intense heat of his love, mercy and grace keep you in vigil as we celebrate Christ's birth!

-J.