Fire is something essential and comforting but it can also be destructive. It seems to be a regular news story of forest fires in different parts of the world. Some of these fires can be devastating, with people fleeing their homes and wildlife destroyed. In April 2017 there was a big fire that swept through the hills in Gougane Barra in West Cork causing lots of damage.

Every fire begins as a spark. If there is no spark there will be no fire. The image of a spark is full of meaning and is so symbolic. When we say we have lost our spark for life we are in a very difficult situation, there is no energy flowing in us, we feel surrounded by darkness and find no motivation to do anything.

There are so many sparks we could talk about, a spark of kindness, of love, of support, of understanding, of comfort, of light, of hope, of meaning and so much more. During the past few months of the Covid 19 pandemic we have all experienced these essential sparks and we have also been the source of them too. These sparks will continue to be generated as we go forward.

The Divine spark within each of us is the ignition for every other spark. This Divine spark is unique and is not outside of us. It has been born deep within us. It is special; it is always there and can help rekindle the spark of life within us. We pray today asking God to be our spark, to be the spark that fills us with hope, to help us get restarted and to know that God is the one who gives us meaning and purpose as we journey through life.