Refiner's Fire and the Life of John the Baptist and Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*Advent Season : C Cycle  4th Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 1:57-66*

*First Reading - Mal 3:1-4, 23-24*

*Refiner's Fire and the Life of John the Baptist and Jesus*

*1) What is Refiner's Fire?*

All of us familiar with the *Fire* which we use every day in our life 

The first reading of today speaks about the another type of fire, which is identified as *refiner's fire.* 

Refiner’s fire melts down a metal, such as gold or silver, for purification purposes. Once a metal is in its melted down state, the dross (metal waste) in the metal rises to the top and is then removed from the metal before it cools.

A refiner’s fire does not destroy the metal, rather it allows the junk within to come up so that it can be removed. A refiner’s fire does not consume, it makes the metal better and more valuable. 

*2) God and Refiner's Fire*

God spoke this analogy through the prophet Malachi to describe how he purifies our hearts. 

Just as a refiner’s fire, God will draw out our dross – our broken, sinful ways – so that we will stand pure and righteous before him.

This comparison helps makes sense of what God’s redemptive work may look like and accomplish in each of us.

God will purify us in similar ways. He does not consume us, rather, being in relationship with God draws us to righteousness and away from sinfulness. God uses our suffering, our sinfulness, and our shortcomings to refine us just as a refiner’s fire, so that the dross within our hearts will rise to the surface and can then be removed.

*3) John's life as Refiner's Fire*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the birth of John the Baptist. 

When we reflect about the life of John, it is very clear that, His life is like a refiner's fire. 

First of all the Fire within John, refined his life, through simplicity, penance, strict discipline, and his determination for justice and truth.

Secondly John as refiners fire, refined many people and prepared them to receive Messiah. 

*4) Jesus and the Refiner's Fire*

The  refiner's fire which was working in Jesus was very strong. 

Jesus says *I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning!*

His words were like refiner's fire, which condemned the hypocrisy of scribes and Pharisees. 

The refiners fire in Jesus cure many from their sicknesses, cast out many devils, brought back many to life, and all types of miracles. 

The refiners fire in Jesus finally led Him to sacrifice his life on the Cross. 

*5) Refiners fire and my life*

How do I look at this refiner's fire in my life?

Is my life like a refiner's fire?

Is there any fire in my life at all or has it already gone out??

What are the things which will strengthen the refiners in my life?

What are the main areas which need to be refined through the fire of love, forgiveness, simplicity, generosity and humility

Does the refiners fire has any significance in my life? 

*6) Christmas and refiners fire*

Advent season is a best time tk think about refiners fire

The sacrament of reconciliation is the best tool for refiners fire 

The preparation for Christmas must include the aspect of refiners fire.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*