Sunday, 22 December 2013

THE REFINER’S FIRE

PRAYER MOMENT


Monday 23 December 2013


 THE REFINER’S FIRE


Pause. Be in the presence of the Lord.


Reading. “Who will remain standing when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire and the fuller’s alkali.” (Malachy 3:1-4, 23-24)  


Reflection.  We saw yesterday how Joseph was troubled by his experience and had to struggle to become “obedient by faith.” He came to accept and welcome God’s will. This can be demanding for us and Malachy calls it a “refiner’s fire”. He will “purify” his people “and refine them like gold and silver.” Today’s passage from Luke describes the birth of John the Baptist and he was to be the refiner of Israel. As we celebrate the coming of the Messiah we are called to welcome, like Joseph, the purifying that God longs to do in us that we may become his gold.


Prayer. Lord, we pray that we may welcome your presence in our lives and see our challenges as ways in which we are refined and purified that we may turn our hearts towards you. Amen.






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