St. Katherine Drexel Regional Fraternity
Regional Spiritual Assistant
St. Francis of Assisi Friary
1901 Prior Road
Wilmington, Delaware 19809
tel: (302) 798-1454 fax: (302) 798-3360 website: skdsfo email: pppgusa@gmail.com
April 2025
Dear Sisters and Brothers in St. Francis,
The Lord give you His peace
and lead you through the mystery of His Passion and Death
to the joy of His Resurrection and our renewed Life in Jesus!
Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire, through whom you give us light in the darkness:
he is bright and lively and strong.
The Canticle was not composed in Francis’ youth, when he cheerfully embraced and cherished the beauty of created things and his freedom to enjoy them. The Canticle most probably was stirring in his soul for many years. Perhaps he may have remembered reading or hearing the story of the three young men who were thrown into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar. They fearlessly accepted death rather than blaspheme the God of Israel. Unharmed in the flames, they gratefully praised God for His presence in all creation, even in the midst of the fiery furnace. And, God saved them (Daniel 3:56–57; 62–68; 75–81).
One thing seems certain: the Canticle is the labor of a spiritually mature Francis. He did not compose the song, or at least it was not written down, until he was able to let go completely of all that was separating him from true intimacy with God. This closeness with the Divine came through years of letting go, not just of material things, but of deeper personal attachments: his expectations and assumptions of how things should be, his privilege of social standing even within his Order, and his control over his own body. Francis had to pass through his “fiery furnace”. Shortly before letting go even of earthly life itself, Francis could finally break into singing his Canticle of Creation. Praise be You, My Lord! … even for Sister Bodily Death.
Along with Earth, Water, and Air, Fire is one of the four classical elements. But it’s not just a flickering flame. Fire is a powerful symbol of energy, change, and passion. Imagine it as the spark that lights up your spiritual journey, fueling everything from your deepest desires to your most profound transformations. Even a flicker of light in pitch darkness brings a feeling of hope and subtle joy.
Think about the sun for a moment. That giant ball of fire in the sky is more than just a light source. It is the life-giving and maintaining source God created it to be. Without the sun, we’d all be frozen solid. It’s no wonder many cultures see the sun (and by extension, Fire) as a symbol of life and vitality. Next time you enjoy a sunny day, remember, you’re basking in some serious spiritual Fire energy. Nevertheless, keep always in mind that the Son, the Son of God that is, Whom the leaders of Israel sought to “eclipse” in the mystery they could or would not fathom, was tortured and killed in history, but rose in glory that all might bask in the incandescence of his Eternal Light and Love. The Fire of God’s love enlightens us on the journey empowering us to be “lively and strong”. Francis’ Canticle is a hymn of praise that sees all creation as God’s way to keep us focused on the Creator. It is a Hymn of gratitude for God being God. He is God, Who manifests His limitless Love, Life, and Energy in all that we perceive.
How beautifully sincere does St. Augustine lament the time he wasted running after the things of creation rather than seeking their Creator. Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you! You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you. In my unloveliness I plunged into the lovely things which you created. You were with me, but I was not with you. Created things kept me from you; yet if they had not been in you they would not have been at all. You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. You touched me, and I burned for your peace (Confessions). This “confession” of Augustine’s wasted years before he acknowledged the beauty and power of God always before him, seems taken up by St. Francis in simplicity and awesome wonder and gratitude centuries later.
But, Fire isn’t all light and warmth. Fire is also about destruction and renewal. Just like a forest fire clears out the old to make way for new growth, Fire in spirituality helps us let go of what’s no longer serving us. It’s the force that burns away rubble from the past. We have a clearer vision to be able to rise from the ashes of the past with fresh perspectives and renewed purpose.
Fire has been revered in spiritual practices around the world for millennia. This Lenten Season began with the ashes of burnt palm from the year before. We received a sign made of those ashes in the form of a cross on our foreheads. This was done to set the tone for our journey from Ashes to Palms, to Golgotha and the Empty Tomb, to the Alleluia of awaiting a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21: 1). The ashes created by fire are used to help rekindle our faith. The act of faith becomes an active faith during this Jubilee Year of the Church. We are Pilgrims of Hope rooted in a convinced Faith spurred forward by confident Hope. The ardent Faith alive in us now leads us in the joy of possessing in our hearts what we still do not fully possess in our hands.
Thus, we become bearers/pilgrims of Hope. As beggars we share what we have received with others like ourselves. As spiritual “vagabonds”, as it were, we offer one another some of the charity each has received. We extend to each other the gifts of God’s love.
Faith is the hidden flame of knowledge that leads to Hope, the conscious burning desire that urges us onward to live in Charity, the eternal love of God. Inflamed with His good graces, we cannot help but be an instrument of the Father’s transforming Love. As Pilgrims of Hope we challenge others to hope beyond the enticements and lies of the world, to live in the sure promise of the One Whose Love for all was made manifest on Golgotha. It is Consummated (John 19: 30) are the last words of an agreement made with humanity millennia before and now “signed, sealed, and delivered”. The fire of Eternal Love consumed the Heart of Jesus Whose life sought only to bring humanity to this moment, the consuming power of God’s Love.
Fire, metaphorically or naturally, is an element to be respected with caution. Its powers materially can serve, enhance, purify or destroy. Spiritually, the sign of fire is offered as a sign of the gift of the Holy Spirit Who appeared in form of tongues of fire and rested on the heads of those in the Upper Room after the Resurrection. It calls us to remember the ardor with which we are all expected to “burn” for the Lord at every moment of our lives. As ambassadors for Christ (2Corinthians 5: 20) we bring the flame of faith in our hearts and lives, and seek to enkindle others with a desire to be “aglow” for Christ and thus set the world ablaze (Luke 12: 49).
Fire is a powerful symbol in Scripture. It represents God’s presence, judgment, and even His love. Scripture speaks of Fire from the burning bush that spoke to Moses (cfr. Exodus 3) to Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came as flames resting on the Apostles (Acts 2: 3). Fire manifests the relationship and interaction of God with His people. It can be a source of comfort, purification, or warning. Understanding the meaning of fire presented in the biblical narratives can help us see and understand God’s message to us more clearly.
St. Francis understood the power of fire. He experienced its believed therapeutic value not long before he died. Francis complied with the doctor’s diagnosis and medical treatment. Francis received neither healing nor relief. In the Canticle we note the respect St. Francis had for Brother Fire, who gives light to the night, and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong (Canticle of Brother Sun). The following paragraph is taken from the Desire of the Remembrance of a Soul, by Blessed Thomas of Celano, and it speaks of Francis’ personal encounter and “conversation” with “his Brother”.
A surgeon is called to the place, and when he comes he is carrying an iron instrument for cauterizing. He ordered it to be placed in the fire until it became red hot. But the blessed Father, to comfort the body, which was struck with panic, spoke to the fire: “My brother Fire, your beauty is the envy of all creatures, the Most High created you strong, beautiful and useful. Be gracious to me in this hour; be courteous! For a long time I have loved you in the Lord. I pray the Great Lord who created you to temper now your heat that I may bear your gentle burning.” When the prayer is finished, he makes the sign of the cross over the fire and then remains in place unshaken. The surgeon takes in his hands the red-hot glowing iron. The brothers, overcome by human feeling, run away. The saint joyfully and eagerly offered himself to the iron. The hissing iron sinks into tender flesh, and the burn is extended slowly straight from the ear to the eyebrow. How much pain that burning caused can best be known by the witness of the saint’s words, since it was he that felt it. For when the brothers who had fled return, the father says with a smile: “Oh, you weak souls of little heart; why did you run away? Truly I say to you, I did not feel the fire’s heat, nor any pain in my flesh.” And turning to the doctor, he says: “If the flesh isn’t well cooked, try again!” The doctor who had experienced quite a different reaction in similar situations, exalts this as a divine miracle, saying: “I tell you, brothers; today I have seen wonderful things!” I believe he had returned to primeval innocence, for when he wished, the harshest things grew gentle. (Desire of the Remembrance of a Soul, #166).
Francis had a rather different respect and relationship with creation than most do. He saw all things in God. Every created thing and being was sacred. Everything and everyone was to be treated with reverence, respect, and dignity. God is One and there is no other (Isaiah 45: 5). God’s Love as Creator called existence and life into being, thus everything and everyone, in some way, share in the attributes of God in their own unique manner.
1 – Fire whether physically or spiritually was seen as a sign of God’s Presence. – When we reflect on God’s presence in fire, we remember moments where He showed Himself through flames. Whether it was the burning bush or the fiery pillar guiding the Israelites, fire signifies God’s powerful presence. God still makes Himself known in our lives today, igniting our hearts with His love and guidance.
2 – Fire often was the sign of God’s Purifying Love. – Fire is often associated with purification throughout the Bible. It helps to remove impurities and to refine our faith. God uses fire as a means to prepare us for greater things ahead. The Penitents of Assisi and all other penitents of the time were associated with fire through the ashes that symbolized the passing of all things. Fire purifies so that only the pure element, without dross, would remain, a basic “requisite” for admittance to Heaven. We are reminded of the purifying fire of prayer, penance and almsgiving that “burn away the dross” to render us more “perfect”; and the fire of an obedient will that burns away – in our cases – the self-centeredness of the ego. It accepts “without gloss” to live fully and perfectly the Rule, thus rendering us authentic children of the Poverello.
3 – Fire was thought of as a means by which God made His Judgment known. – Fire often symbolizes judgment in the Bible. It serves as a reminder of God’s righteousness and justice. As we look at these verses, we recognize that God’s flames act not only as a warning but also as a call to repentance and holiness. Fire encourages us to live in alignment with His will to avoid judgment.
4 – Fire is a sign of Spiritual Passion urging us toward the object of our desires. – In our walk with God, fire can also symbolize spiritual passion. It describes the fervent love we have for Him in our hearts. It ignites our mission to spread His Word and the urgency we feel to live out our faith. These verses inspire us to fan the flames of our relationship with God into a magnificent blaze of energy and love.
5 – Fire is a sign of the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. – The Holy Spirit’s representation as fire connects to God’s sustenance in our lives. The Spirit ignites our hearts, offers guidance, and strengthens us. These verses highlight the importance of the Holy Spirit’s presence as a consuming fire that enlivens our faith.
6 – God’s Word is a transforming Fire that penetrates the soul and enlivens the person. – The Bible uses fire as a metaphor for God’s Word, depicting its transformative power. Just as fire can refine and purify, so can the Word of God shape our lives. Immersing ourselves in Scripture can spark growth in our faith and understanding of God and His Holy Word and Will.
The journey of faith is not always easy, but with the fire of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit lighting our path, we can grow stronger every day. Continue to seek Him and allow the Fire of His Tremendous Love to inspire us in our daily lives, igniting our passion for God, as we translate that into love for one another.
Fire is more than just a physical phenomenon. It’s a powerful, dynamic force. It penetrates and touches every aspect of our spiritual lives. Whether through transformation, passion, purification, or enlightenment, Fire has the potential to ignite profound changes within us. Nevertheless, Fire, like all elements, must be respected. It’s a force of nature, and sign of our spiritual energy in God, that can be both creative and destructive. Let us channel our spiritual Fire and human energy wisely.
We approach Brother Fire as we do all God’s gifts, with curiosity, respect, reverence, and joy. The spiritual journey ultimately must lead to joy if we are traveling through history in mystery to the glory of union with God. All creation serves to assist us on this journey. The Way of the Cross this season is the road less traveled or desired by so many. Nevertheless, it leads unmistakably to the fulfillment of our ultimate hope, Life with God. Let us fan the flame of an ardent love of Christ that urges us (2Corinthians 5: 14) to follow the Lord Jesus through the Cross to the Light (Pope St. Paul VI: Per Crucem ad Lucem). We move onward, perhaps tripping and even falling along the way.
Empowered with the Fire of God’s Love and our burning desire, like Francis, we praise God Who leads us through ardent prayer, purifying penance, and His passionate love for us to the point of dying on the Cross. The explosion of energy – as we are told by scientists who have studied the Shroud of Turin – imprinting the image of the Crucified on the shroud, reminds us of the “explosion of the eternal flame” of God’s love that imprints the image and likeness of Christ on our souls. The Resurrection is a marvelous reminder that we too, like our Seraphic Father St. Francis of Assisi, are signed in our hearts with His love. We are God’s collaborators who seek to enkindle with the fire of our faith those whose lives have grown cold to the Lord. Transformation and New Life in the Resurrection of Jesus is the gift of His purifying Love for those who surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit sent by Jesus when He breathed His last breath saying: Father, Into Your hands I commend my Spirit (Luke 23: 46). by His Spirit let us fraternally and lovingly remember one another in our prayers and especially during the great yearly liturgy of Holy and Easter Weeks. You will all be with me before the Lord in my prayers and liturgies (Masses and Hours). May you and all your loved ones be blessed with the joy of the Risen Lord, the energy of the Holy Spirit, and the loving embrace of the Father Who always keeps His promises.
Easter Peace and Blessings in the Risen Lord
Fr. Francis A. Sariego, OFM Cap
Regional Spiritual Assistant
Alleluia! He is Risen! He is truly Risen! Alleluia!
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