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, to that we might speak with

Lord 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.

Francis New Year's Day is the first Sunday of Advent, beginning of the church year.

Our readings for this first Sunday of Advent might strike you as a bit odd.

There's nothing in them about the coming of Christmas or about the arrival of the Christ

child.

Rather, all the readings for this week, for this first week of the church year, are about

the second coming of Jesus.

During Advent, we call to mind Christ's arrival in history at Christmas.

We also are aware of Christ's arrival now in our hearts.

But the third theme and the readings are focused on it is the second coming of Jesus

in glory at the end of time.

We need to reflect on this theme, which was so central to the authors of the New Testament.

We are, in this sense, permanently an Advent people.

...