Why not become fire?

A friend sent me this delightful quotation from one of the Desert Fathers.

Abba Lot came to Abba Joseph and said:

Father, according as I am able, I keep my little rule, and my little fast, my prayer, meditation, and contemplative silence; and, according as I am able, I strive to cleanse my heart of thoughts: now what more should I do?

The elder rose up in reply and stretched out his hands to heaven, and his fingers became lit like ten lamps of fire.

He said: Why not become fire? 

This could surely have been said by John of the Cross or Teresa.

Intercessions:

Marie, Agnes, Philippa – cancer

Bernard – cancer, and wife Angela

Rosemarie – multiple afflictions

Elara, Siena – infants with severe medical issues