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Divine Fire

There is something enthralling about candles burning in a dark or penumbral setting. We are enticed by the flickering flames of a romantic restaurant or of a candlelit church during Midnight Communion. Camp fires create a unique atmosphere whether they are constructed on a beach, in a forest or up a mountain. People often encircle the fire swapping stories or singing songs. Sometimes, there is a profoundly comfortable silence as all sit staring contentedly at the flames or watching sparks dance into an ebony sky.

However, fire can also be menacing. A forest blaze will consume everything in its path. If tormented by the wind, a bush fire can change direction and pace alarmingly. Fire is a wily opponent; it is dangerously unpredictable, sometimes defying all attempts of firefighters to bring it under control.

The Torah introduces the intriguing image of God as a devouring fire (Deuteronomy 4.24 – R.S.V.), and the analogy is only marginally softened to a refiner's fire by the prophet Malachi (Malachi 3.2 – R.S.V.). On Mount Horeb, the Lord appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush (Exodus 3.1-6). The fire was awe-inspiring and mysterious and Moses' curiosity drew him near. However, although he hid his face because he was afraid to look upon God, he remained barefoot and steadfast on the holy ground of encounter with the Divine.

Paradoxically, fire both compels and repels; it warms and it burns; it sterilises and it destroys. Mystery and a sense of dread may be disincentives to approaching the sacred fire, but they do not ultimately dispel the potent attraction of the Divine.

Fascination and the desire to be one with God draw us irresistibly towards the Holy Flame.

12 May 2008

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