# Fire Up: Keeping the Spirit’s Flame Alive
*2018-05-31*

> Bill Young reflects on Romans 12:11 and how to stay fervent in faith, offering practical ways to refuel our spiritual fire through conferences, resources, and prayer.

## Why We Need to Stay Fired Up

Romans 12:11 exhorts us, “Do not grow slack, but be fervent in spirit.” After we consecrate ourselves to Mary, it’s easy for that fire to dwindle, especially as Satan seeks to disrupt our devotion to Mary and Jesus. We must actively guard and rekindle that flame.

## Fuel for the Spirit

The best fuel is the Holy Spirit. One practical way to receive that “premium gas” is to attend a Catholic conference. I’m looking forward to the third annual Congress, June 8‑10, with a Friday night Mass by Archbishop Thomas Wenski, several other bishops, and inspiring speakers. If you can’t travel, seek out recordings, books, or other spiritual resources that can help you get “fired up.”

## Scriptural Sparks

When we receive the Holy Spirit, the devil tries to extinguish the flame (cf. 1 Peter 5:8). Yet the Lord also kindles a greater fire within us (Luke 12:16). He calls us to be “lamp‑standers,” bearing the gifts and fruits of the Spirit. Mary leads us to the “hill country” of prayer (Luke 13:9) and reminds us that giving leads to receiving (Luke 6:38).

## Prayer and the Holy Face Devotion

Let us pray:

Father, pour out the Holy Spirit upon us through Mary’s intercession. May we be renewed and ready to share that fire with others. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee…

Our Father…

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…

Tomorrow I will begin a devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus using a special set of beads. I invite you to join me in that prayer.

*Staying fervent requires intentional refueling—through the Spirit, community, and prayer—so that Satan cannot dim the fire God has placed within us.*