ACC ~ Luke 12 v49 - 50

THE FIRE OF THE GOSPEL AND HOLY SPIRIT AT BAPTISM

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: We affirm that the fire that Christ sent out is for humanity’s salvation and profit. May God grant that all our hearts be full of this. The fire is the saving message of the gospel and the power of its commandments. We were cold and dead because of sin and in ignorance of him who by nature is truly God. The gospel ignites all of us on earth to a life of piety and makes us fervent in spirit, according to the expression of blessed Paul. [1] Besides this, we are also made partakers of the Holy Spirit, who is like fire within us. We have been baptized with fire and the Holy Spirit. We have learned the way from what Christ says to us. Listen to his words: “Truly I say to you, that except a man be born of water and spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” [2]

It is the divinely inspired Scripture’s custom to give the name of fire sometimes to the divine and sacred words and to the efficacy and power which is by the Holy Spirit by which we are made fervent in spirit. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 94. [3]

[1] Rom 12:11.

[2] Jn 3:5.

[3] CGSL 377**.

THE FIRE OF SCRIPTURE

AMBROSE: Love is good, having wings of burning fire that flies through the saints’ breasts and hearts and consumes whatever is material and earthly but tests whatever is pure. With its fire, love makes whatever it has touched better. The Lord Jesus sent this fire on earth. Faith shined brightly. Devotion was enkindled. Love was illuminated. Justice was resplendent. With this fire, he inflamed the heart of his apostles, as Cleophas bears witness, saying, “Was not our heart burning within is, while he was explaining the Scriptures?” [1] The wings of fire are the flames of the divine Scripture. ISAAC, OR THE SOUL 8.77. [2]

[1] Lk 24:32.

[2] FC 65:60-61**.

THE FIRE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AT PENTECOST

CYRIL OF JERUSALEM: Why is it “fire”? It is because the descent of the Holy Spirit was in fiery tongues. Concerning this the Lord says with joy, “I came to cast fire upon the earth, and would that it were already kindled!” CATECHETICAL LECTURES 17.8. [1]

[1] FC 64:101*.

FIRE CATECHIZES

BASIL THE GREAT: He also said, “I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled!” These flaming words from the lips of our Lord Jesus Christ reveal the malice of sin. He also reveals the excellence of good actions performed for the glory of God and his Christ. … Then we are ready for the baptism of water, which is a type of the cross, death, burial and resurrection from the dead. …

One who is prepared to be baptized in the name of the Holy Spirit is one who has been born anew, who undergoes a change of residence, habits and associates so that, walking by the Spirit, he may be ready to be baptized in the name of the Son and to put on Christ. CONCERNING BAPTISM 1.2. [1]

[1] FC 9:384-85**.