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 in the great cycle of the liturgical year, we come once again to the season of

Advent, the season of vigilance and expectation.

I don't know why, but I've always loved Advent.

From the time I was a kid, there's something I think about expectation here below that's

almost better than realization.

Somehow when you realize something, it fades so quickly, but the expectation is very

intense, exciting.

And see, I think it's reflective of the fact that this whole life is a kind of Advent.

We know that whatever we accomplish, whatever we achieve, whatever joy we find is transient

in this world, that in fact we're perpetually waiting for something more.

Maybe that's why Advent has always struck me anyway as a specially rich spiritual season.

Well, the readings for today are all about expectation.

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