By Wendy Kachermeyer
Director of Religious Education

Fire Hidden Within

Wendy Kachermeyer

What is a fire? It is very hot, red, yellow and white. It can be very small, under control and very easily burned out if it isn’t fueled or large, burning fast, out of control and powered by quick burning energy then suddenly extinguished.

Keeping the spiritual fire small and always under control is good. However, it can become boring and uneventful without times where it can soar to the boundaries of heaven. Sometimes the spiritual fire is so strong, our spirit is so close to heaven and suddenly we don’t feel the same closeness and we give up on keeping the fire burning. We need to seek out times where we are stirred to do more than just attend Mass (out of obligation).

We Need to Maintain our Fire

I can only express my own experience when it comes to spiritual highs and lows. I have learned over the years of practicing my Catholic Faith that the fire hidden within needs constant care by praying, seeking, participating, paying attention, forgiving, asking for forgiveness and most of all loving others as Christ loves me. I try to remain centered with my God in my sights. It has taken years for me to almost understand what I need to do to stay on the narrow path that is laid out before me. I stray sometimes and because of the wonderful Sacrament of Penance I get to receive the grace given to me by God to get back to my journey that I chose to leave.

We Need to Live for others and the Fire will Burn

I am strongest (the fire burns hottest) when I remember that my life isn’t for me it’s for others. I want all souls to be in the loving embrace of our God and His Holy Catholic Church. I have the free will to turn my back on Jesus anytime I want to and so do you. I choose to want to stay with Him!! Meaning that I need to live for Christ!! Living for Christ is when heaven is at my finger tips. This is when the fire burns steady and fierce and extinguishing it cannot happen. I cling to the cross when situations in this life are tough, unpredictable and painful. Enduring earthly pain can be difficult but the cross keeps it bearable and with Jesus it is able to be overcome.

We need to have a great ardor for Christ and His holy Catholic Church. We need to keep the fire in our souls burning strong. Do not let it die out, keep fueling it, This all takes discipline so live your life with Christ in your scopes. He is who will only lead us to good.

Wendy Kachermeyer is Director of Religious Education and R.C.I.A (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Dunkirk, NY.