Word on Fire is brought to you by Catholic Cemetery's, 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 in Winetka, now presents

the Word on Fire.

Peace be with you.

Friends, religion is the best thing around, and religion can be the worst thing around.

That's just the way it goes.

When religion functions well, when it functions according to its own deepest purpose, it brings

us into friendship with God.

I've told you before, for time as a quietness, that's the very definition of salvation,

to be God's friend, and at its best, religion functions to cultivate that friendship.

But when it's dysfunctional, when religion goes bad, it goes really bad, and can make

life miserable for yourself and for people around you.

I've told you before about that great Roman principle, the ancient Romans, Corruptsio

Optimi Pesema.

The corruption of the best is the worst.

When the best thing goes bad, it really goes bad.

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