Word on fire is brought to you by Catholic cemeteries, serving the Chicago area since 1837.

This is Cardinal Francis George, and I invite you to join me for the next few minutes to

reflect with Father Robert Barron on the Word of God, which is the Word on fire.

Father Barron will challenge us to open our hearts to the Word on fire, which is God's

Word of Love for each of us.

If our hearts are open, the Lord can change and transform us, who we might speak with

love about the one who is love.

The Archdiocese of Chicago, through the generosity of Sacred Heart Parish and Winetka, now presents

the Word on fire.

Peace be with you, friends.

I want to spend some time today with our second reading.

It's a snippet from the end of Paul's second letter to Timothy.

You know, I don't think in all my years of preaching, I've ever preached on this letter.

That's kind of a shame, really, because it's a beautiful testament.

One of the last things, if not the last thing, Paul ever wrote, this letter to his colleague,

his friend, a kind of spiritual son, Timothy, is filled with all sorts of practical advice,

as Paul, as it were, hands on his authority to Timothy.

The passage for today is from the closing chapter of the letter, and it's very beautiful.

Paul is speaking about his feelings and his convictions, as his life comes to an end.

Paul spent the last, oh, months or years of his life in Rome, under account, kind of,

house arrest.

He was a waiting trial, and he knew likely execution.

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