Yesterday, a friend sent me this homily titled What Would Mary Do? As I read it, I thought about the burning bush, which is one of the traditional symbols for Mary, who is said to have born God and not been consumed.
I've been thinking a lot about fire and God's presence lately -- ever since Pentecost.
We have huge forest fires raging all around Silver City right now. You can smell the smoke in the air, and the news is all about how many acres have been burned, and how close the fires are to houses and towns. They say the fires are a healthy part of forest life, and necessary to ensure future growth. But that doesn't make it any easier for the birds and animals that are caught in it, or the people who are being evacuated.
As I smell the raging but "good" forest fires, I remember a friend who once said to me, "I want the Holy Spirit in my life, but I don't want him to catch the sofa on fire." I also remember Rich Mullins who sang of "the reckless raging fury that they call the love of God."
Mary was someone who's experience of God turned her life upside down and inside out. I'm sure she felt at times like this experience would consume her, particularly in the period between Jesus' death and the Feast of Pentecost.
Remembering Mary and smelling the smoke in the air, I pray for the courage to bear God's presence more fully, believing I will not be consumed in the process.