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 Parish in Winnetka now presents

the Word on fire.

Peace be with you.

Friends, the Church gives us a very special gift this week because in the Gospel we hear

the Matthews Gospel of Jesus' first public appearance.

Jesus emerges on the scene and begins to preach.

So we need to pay very careful attention, a bit like the overture of an opera when the

great themes are sort of foreshadowed.

So here we have the themes of Jesus' life, and ministry, and preaching foreshadowed.

Here's a curious thing now, first, I'm reading from Matthews Gospel.

Matthew's quoting from the prophet Isaiah, predicting the time when the Messiah will arrive.

He will appear in this land of Zebulin and land of Naftali.

What does that mean?

Why do those two lands mention?

Keep in mind, biblical Jews read their history, their geography, everything mystically and

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