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 focus today on the magnificent first reading.

It's taken from the Acts of the Apostles.

Great text, by the way, if you're just getting into the Scripture, and you want to read

a text that's very involving, very lively, I'd recommend the Acts of the Apostles.

But here we have the recounting of a speech, a deeply evangelical speech, given by St.

Peter on Pentecost morning.

He and the other disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit, and they were carrying on

so enthusiastically that the bystanders thought they were drunk.

St. Peter, who gets up and clarifies for them the reason for their excitement, listen,

let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made both Lord and Christ this

Jesus whom you crucified.

Hmm, there's the essence of evangelical proclamation.

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