As winter continues in our region, the sweet, smokey scent of a wood burning fireplace may find us during an outdoor walk. But if the flame is left unattended it will cease, leaving only embers that will eventually burn out. So too in our spiritual life. The flame in our hearts allows us to walk with Christ. Yet we can only journey with him if the flame is kept alive. Do not be satisfied with a fire that is kept barely burning, fooling ourselves that simply attending a Sunday liturgy is sufficient. Rather, make your flame burn bright for all the world to see by daily devotion, fervent prayer, forgiveness of others and specific works of charity. Only by stoking the fire consistently, and feeding it abundantly ourselves, will the flame continue to shine.