Like a flame my hope is burning
Beautiful are these words with which Pierangelo Sequeri initiates the Pilgrims of Hope hymn. Yes, hope is like a flame that is burning.
The subject matter of flame reminds me of the flame of fire out of the midst of a bush which the book of Exodus marvellously speaks about (Exod 3:2). In the Book of Judges this flame is the flame of the altar (Judg 13:20). In the Book of Job this flame simply emerges from God’s mouth. It says: His breath kindles coals, and a flame comes forth from his mouth (Job 41:21). Psalm 29 powefully reminds us that the voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire (Ps 29:7). In the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, God himself is the flame that burns and devours evil. He tells us: The light of Israel will become a fire, and his Holy One a flame; and it will burn and devour his thorns and briers in one day (Isa 10:17).
Within the same Book of Isaiah God’s power is such that if one passes through waters, rivers or even walks through fire shall not be consumed. Isaiah tells us: When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you (Isa. 43:2).
Let us pray:
Father, I want to be on fire with love, passion, and a heart for You. I don’t want to fall into complacency, ritual obligations, or monotony. I want my heart to be fully alive. I ask for that to happen now. I want to walk with You and talk with You. I want to praise You and honor You with my whole heart. Father, I want to connect with You deeply and intimately. I want to be awakened to the fullness of Your love. I ask You to awaken me now. I want to see You. I want to know that it is You walking with me and not miss You. Give me a heart to pursue You, eyes to see You, and ears to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying. Let my light shine so bright that all will see You working through me and glorify Your Name. I pray in Jesus’ mighty name and blood and with the intercession of Mary, your daughter, the Mother of Jesus and my Mother. Amen.
Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap
