As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed. So Moses decided, “I must go over to look at this remarkable sight and see why the bush is not burned.”
The First Reading for this Sunday shares a mystery that Moses stumbled upon. Moses found a bush on fire but it was not being consumed. A sister shared with me that the burning bush was one way to explain being on fire for the Lord but not consumed. We are called to be “on fire for the Lord” (Romans 12).
During this Lenten season, how can we be on fire but not consumed? Sometimes, as “cradle Catholics” we lose our “fire”. We grow up in this Faith, so that we can forget how beautiful and exciting it is!
This weekend is a special weekend where the men and women of the CIA take another step towards joining the Catholic Faith. These men and women are excited (and probably nervous) about the Faith. We have a lot to learn from them! Where is our excitement? It may sound strange to be excited during Lent. Lent is a time to give things up. What is the point of giving things up if the practice does not help us to grow in our relationship with Jesus? If you are giving up chocolate, coffee, or social media, that’s great! But how does that help your relationship with Jesus? What’s the point?
Maybe, to be on fire and not consumed, we can look to see what in our relationship with Jesus needs some kindling. Instead of giving something up, can we add something on? Maybe going to Mass more than just on Sunday, or praying the Stations of the Cross with the parish on Wednesday evenings.
We tend to focus on what we should give up. Maybe the kindling our relationship needs is to add something on? Whatever you choose, remember, the desire is to find that “fire for the Lord”! Don’t be consumed or obsessed. Let Jesus lead you in this process. He is so happy with your efforts and your desire!