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

God's Love about the One who is Love.

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

the Word on Fire.

Peace be with you.

Friends, Perala Grange, the great scripture scholar, referred to our passes today as,

quote, Matthew's most precious pearl.

It's also been described by biblical scholars as a Johanine Bolt from the Methian blue.

What that means is, in this passage from Matthew, Jesus speaks in a manner much more characteristic

of John's Gospel.

Matthew's Gospel puts a great stress on the humanity of the Lord, John's on the divinity

of Jesus.

But right here in the middle of Matthew, very clear emphasis is placed on the divinity

of the Lord.

We're being invited in this passage into very deep waters, very deep mysteries.

Why?

Because Jesus here is addressing His Father, and thereby revealing His own deepest identity

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