DISCOVERING FIRE

In the Book of the Acts of the Apostles we read, “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts of the Apostles 2)

The Holy Spirit appeared as “tongues of fire” and rested on all of those in the house. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. I remember very well the night I was at a meeting in a house and the Holy Spirit came and filled me. It was one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had… I discovered fire that night… or fire discovered me. It was a loving act of the Holy Spirit to fill others and me that night.

Teilhard de Chardin, (1881-1935) a the French priest and philosopher wrote, “Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love. And then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”

I say it will be the third time.

“And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Jesus