This article is part of a series of reflections written by our International Board of Directors to celebrate the 800 year anniversary of the Canticle of Creatures
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Fire is at once dangerous and playful.
It is useful and destructive.
Necessary and yet feared.
Tamed by careful precautions, lest it burst out of our control.
Its heat transforms the raw materials of root or fish or animal flesh into food we can eat and which sustains us.
Its heat warms us when it is cold, and protects us at night from predators.
Yet its danger lurks ready to jump out unless we are continually vigilant.
Its destructive power can destroy whole forests, but there are trees whose seeds need the heat of fire before they can germinate.
Many creation stories from many cultures round the world tell of fire being obtained by trickery or theft from the ancient gods or by heroic journeys to far off and dangerous places.
Such stories tell us to respect nature and the divine.
They tell of the value of community and cooperation in achieving common goals.
And they tell of the significance of courage and intelligence in the face of adversity.
Francis of Assisi in his Canticle of the Creatures addresses fire as Brother.
Praised be You, my Lord,
through Brother fire,
through whom You light the night,
and he is beautiful and playful
and robust and strong.
In Francis’s vision, fire was no longer something capricious or without purpose. He praises God through it and for it. It has a place in the beautiful order of God’s creation. He even had no fear of the red hot poker used in surgery on his eyes, trusting that as he had respected fire and been gentle with it, so it would be gentle with him.
We pray for our use and relationship with this precious gift from God.
Lord of creation.
Hear our prayer.
We pray for a right use of fire and a celebration of all it brings to our lives. Heat for warmth and cooking. For safety.
Lord of creation.
Hear our prayer.
We pray for those who abuse this gift. Who use fire to destroy and to harm others.
Lord of creation.
Hear our prayer.
We pray for our whole environment. Fire has a place but can contribute to global warming. Give wisdom and the skill to use well the gift of fire for the common good.
Lord of creation.
Hear our prayer.
Blessed are you, God of the universe, for fire is a symbol of your life-giving and challenging Spirit—ever dancing in the light, destroying our deadness and bringing renewal to our lives in Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Amen.
– Br. Christopher John SSF