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 Parishing, Winetka, now presents

the Word on fire.

Peace be with you.

Friends, the church gives us on this second Sunday of Advent, the opening lines of the

first gospel.

St. Mark, who was, tradition says, the secretary and translator for St. Peter, wrote this

gospel, they think, around the year 70, which is to say a few years after the deaths

of Peter and Paul at the hands of the Roman authorities.

He composed it most likely in Rome, in the heart of the city, that put his friends to death.

Now, edges off in the case with classical texts, the opening line is very important.

No serious authors, they put a lot of attention into the first line of their texts, because

it often will encapsulate what they want to say.

Well, here's Mark's first line, listen.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the beginning of the gospel

of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

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