Catching Fire

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) speaks of the image of fire as the transforming action of the Spirit (See CCC 696). The Catechism summarizes the teaching of mystic saints over the centuries with regard to the purifying aspect of fire: we have repugnance for our sins (CCC 1431); our hearts are converted by looking upon him whom our sins have pierced (CCC 1432); the Spirit who brings sin to light also brings the joy of conversion. (CCC 1433)

These experiences bear an uncanny resemblance to the descriptions of being baptised with fire given to us by Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians. You can read them for yourself, along with the above Catechism articles in this attachment.

Being baptized with fire is a particular and transforming action of the Spirit that has three main aspects:

1. The Spirit, acting directly, shows us our sin and this is a painful experience.

2. There is a discovery of the greatness of God's love through the Cross.

3. This leads to joyous conversion of life.

Being baptized with fire is not the kind of experience that we can manufacture. But we can prepare ourselves by being devout, seeking to serve God above all else. We can ask for it as we welcome the Holy Spirit to move among us. We can actively repent as mystic saints, like Sts Ignatius and John of the Cross, show us. We can hear empowered witnessing that cuts to the heart.

The significance of the Spirit appearing at Pentecost like tongues of fire coming to rest on the head of each disciple was that they individually were empowered to witness "that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all nations." (Lk 24:47) Our repentance and Christ's crucifixion are directly connected. This very first preaching cut the listeners "to the heart". (Acts 2:37) The first converts caught the fire from those empowered to witness. Then through Baptism they became empowered by the Spirit to witness.