Trial By Fire

Thus says the Lord GOD: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming? 

And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord, as in the days of old, as in years gone by. (Malachi 3:1-4)

Family trees are important.  Who are the sons of Levi? Levi had three sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari (Genesis 46:11). Kohath's son Amram married Jochebed and was the father of Miriam, Aaron and Moses. The descendants of Aaron had the special role as priests in the Tabernacle in the wilderness and also in Jerusalem’s Temple.  

Though unpleasant, this step in purification and refinement is a vital and necessary part of our Christian lives. According to 1 Peter 4:12, “Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.” We must endure trials by fire to test our strength and prove our worthiness.

In other words, according to Isaiah (1:25) when speaking of the purification of Jerusalem: “How she has become a prostitute, the faithful city, so upright! Justice used to lodge within her, but now, murderers. Your silver is turned to dross; your wine is mixed with water. Your princes are rebels and comrades of thieves. Each one of them loves a bribe and looks for gifts. The fatherless they do not defend; the widow’s plea does not reach them. Now, therefore, says the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel: Ah! I will take vengeance on my foes and fully repay my enemies! I will turn my hand against you, and refine your dross in the furnace, removing all your alloy."

Is our nation undergoing a trial by fire?  Are we worthy of being called “one nation under God?”  Is our silver dross?  Are our princes (government leaders) rebels and comrades of thieves with each one of them loving a bribe and looking for gifts?  Do our political parties and leaders take vengeance on their foes and fully repay their enemies? Is something strange happening to us and our nation – to our Catholic values, as well?

If we answer “yes” to these questions, then all our alloy is being removed and all that will be left of us will be dross.  Our trials by fire are numerous, and many of us suffer as a result.   It’s past time for our nation to prove its worthiness and be purified by acts of justice and pursuit of truth with liars and thieves being recognized for what they are – dross.  It's time to test our hearts.

Deacon David Pierce