# Fire ## The Way of Perfection FIRE. A symbol for the love of God enkindled in the soul by the living water of contemplation ([[tj-way-ccel-19|19.2]]–[[tj-way-ccel-19|3]]). This water of contemplation makes the fire of God's love increase in the soul ([[tj-way-ccel-19|19.3]]). This fire has its source in God, not in anything on earth, and cannot be extinguished by the water of earthly things when the fire is powerful ([[tj-way-ccel-19|19.4]]; [[tj-way-ccel-40|40.4]])). Earthly things can extinguish the fire when it is weak ([[tj-way-ccel-19|19.4]]). There is another heavenly water given by God in prayer—the water of tears—that does not quench the heavenly fire of God's love but makes it grow ([[tj-way-ccel-19|19.5]]). The fire of God's love cools and freezes all worldly attachments ([[tj-way-ccel-19|19.5]]). It communicates itself to others, and wants to burn up the whole world ([[tj-way-ccel-19|19.5]]). With contemplatives the fire shines brightly and so their love is clearly recognized ([[tj-way-ccel-40|40.4]]). In the prayer of recollection, the soul is well prepared for the enkindling of fire; blowing a little with the intellect can hasten the enkindling ([[tj-way-ccel-28|28.8]]). Fire is also a symbol for God; the soul will be warmed by approaching the fire; when one receives Communion, or makes a spiritual communion, and wants to get warm, it will stay warm for many hours afterward ([[tj-way-ccel-35|35.1]]).