My Nature Is Fire

Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) wrote the following prayer on how our nature comes from God's nature and as such we should be on fire with love,

In Your nature,
eternal Godhead,
I shall come to
know my nature
And what is my nature,
boundless love?
It is fire,
because You are nothing
but a fire of love.
And You have given humankind
a share in this nature,
for by the fire of love
You created us.
And so with all other people
and every created thing;
You made them out of love.
O ungrateful people!
What nature has your God given You?
His very own nature!
Are you not ashamed
to cut yourselves off from such a noble thing
through the guilt of deadly sin?
O eternal Trinity,
my sweet love!
You, light,
give us light.
You, wisdom,
give us wisdom.
You, supreme strength,
strengthen us.
Today, eternal God,
let our cloud be dissipated
so that we may perfectly know and follow
Your Truth in truth,
with a free and simple heart.
God, come to our assistance!
Lord, make haste to help us!
Amen.

Today's religion column, The Thing Your Pastor Can't Tell You is now online, but if you attend King of Peace the title is a misnomer in that it is based on a sermon given at King of Peace last fall.

Don't forget, the Pool Party at Honey Creek is tomorrow from 12 noon to 3 p.m. We'll provide burgers, dogs and fixin's with some drinks if you bring the side items. Directions are online at www.honeycreek.org.


Two scenes from last year's pool party at Honey Creek