Reflection One: The Spark “I Have Come to Cast Fire upon the Earth” “I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled!” — Luke 12:49 There are moments in the spiritual life when a person becomes aware of a desire that he cannot entirely explain. Nothing outward may have changed. He may have prayed for years, received the sacraments faithfully, struggled against familiar sins, and tried sincerely to live according to the Gospel. Yet somewhere

Dear Friends, Tomorrow is the funeral of my friend and mentor Fr. Drew Morgan and despite not being able to attend I would like to keep the day in prayerful vigil for him and all who mourn his loss. I hope you understand and please remember this dear and good priest in your prayers as well. God bless you all, Fr. Charbel The Retreat will take place now on the following dates: Sept. 12, 19, 26 and October 3.

Desire, Freedom, and the Transformation of the Heart A Four-Week Retreat with the Desert Fathers and St. Isaac the Syrian UPDATED SCHEDULE Sept 12, 19, 26 and Oct. 3 7:00–9:00 PM EDT Register online at PhilokaliaMinistries.org “Abba Joseph stretched his hands toward heaven, and his fingers became like ten lamps of fire, and he said to Abba Lot: ‘If you will, you can become all flame.’” — The Sayings of the Desert Fathers There is something startling about this ancient story.