November 9 – The Fire of Divine Love

Gregg’s Reflection

I used to think of fire mostly as danger — something to be feared. But the mystics invite us to see fire as an image of God’s love. Fire consumes everything it touches, yet in God’s case, the burning does not destroy but purifies, transforms, and even delights. 

John of the Cross described the fire of divine love as sweet and gladdening, not wearying or distressing. It is a love that penetrates to the depths, burning away self-illusions and ego until nothing remains but our true self in God. That is why the saints could speak of suffering not as punishment but as purification, the way gold shines after it passes through the flame.

I think back on seasons of loss or pain in my own life and realize how much was burned away — illusions of control, pride in my own accomplishments, false securities. What remained was not ash, but something freer, more open, more rooted in love. God’s fire is not to be feared, but welcomed, for it makes us who we were meant to be.

I think nothing can come into God’s presence but that which is of God. So, the extent to which we are transformed and let go of that which is not essential, the more God shines through our True Self, and the more ready we are to come into God’s presence when we die. 

Scripture

Our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 12:29

The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.

Psalm 12:6

Ancient Quotes

Our Lord God is a consuming fire and his power is infinite. He consumes infinitely, burning with great vehemence, and transforming into himself all he touches. The burning does not distress the soul but gladdens it; it does not weary it, but delights it, and renders it glorious and sweet.

St. John of the Cross, Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism, p. 214–215

O gentle, subtle touch, the Word, the Son of God, who, because of the pureness of your divine nature, penetrates subtly the very substance of my soul, and, touching it gently, absorbs it wholly in divine ways of sweetness.

St. John of the Cross, Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism, p. 219

Modern Quotes

Love is a fire of transformation that constantly needs wood to keep the fire alive… Throw yourself into the spiritual fire of divine love and everything you grasp for yourself will be destroyed until there is nothing left but the pure truth of yourself.

Ilia Delio, Birth of a Dancing Star, p. 155–156

Journaling Prompts

• How do I respond to the idea of God’s love as fire — do I fear it, resist it, or welcome it?
  
  
• What illusions or false securities has God’s fire already burned away in my life?
  
  
• Where might God be inviting me to trust His purifying love in the midst of suffering?
  
  
• How could I see trials less as punishment and more as opportunities for refinement in love?

Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 45 Reflection: Transformation/Divinization/Fire