Zeal, Fatherhood, and the Slow Purification of the Soul
There is a pattern in Scripture—a rhythm God uses to form His saints—that we often overlook when we’re in the middle of our own spiritual growth.
God starts us with zeal.
Then He purifies the zeal.
Then He restores it with wisdom, gentleness, and true authority.
You can trace this in Elijah.
You can trace it in the Apostles.
You can trace it in Jesus Himself.
And now, you can probably trace it in your own story.
Recently, in my Catholic study group, I realized something humbling: my frustrations with others weren’t about them—they were about my stage of purification.
I saw people still chasing feelings, signs, consolations, clouds, coincidences, and emotional “wow” moments. I felt the urge to correct, rebuke, direct, and “guard” the group.
But the Father opened my eyes to something deeper:
They are in the disciple stage.
And I am being invited into the Elijah stage.
Which leads to the Father stage.
Let’s break this open.
1. Elijah in the Cave: When Zeal Becomes Exhaustion
(1 Kings 19)
Elijah begins with fiery, explosive zeal.
He calls down fire at Carmel.
He slaughters false prophets.
He runs with supernatural strength.
He’s unstoppable—until he collapses under a broom tree and cries:
“I have been very zealous for the Lord…”
(1 Kings 19:10)
Zeal alone—unpurified—burns hot but burns out.
Elijah believed his zeal was enough to convert Israel, but God had to reveal:
Elijah didn’t need to defend God.
Elijah wasn’t the last faithful one.
Elijah needed the Father’s presence, not adrenaline.
The Lord wasn’t in the wind.
Not in the earthquake.
Not in the fire.
But in the “still small voice.”
That whisper is the Father forming a son.
2. The Apostles: Zeal Without Formation
The disciples, even after witnessing miracles, still acted like spiritual beginners. They often struggled to fully comprehend the teachings of Jesus and the profound implications of His mission. Despite their close proximity to the source of divine wisdom, their human frailties led them to misunderstand and sometimes doubt. Yet, this very imperfection made their journey relatable and inspiring. As they learned, faltered, and grew, they embodied the essence of faith as a dynamic and evolving process.
Their zeal, though unrefined at first, was the foundation upon which their eventual transformation was built. Through trials, guidance, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, these once hesitant followers became powerful messengers of the Gospel. Their stories remind us that true formation is a journey, one that requires patience, perseverance, and an open heart willing to be molded by experience and grace.
They wanted to call down fire
“Lord, shall we call down fire from heaven to destroy them?”
(Luke 9:54)
Just like Elijah’s early zeal—but without Elijah’s purification.
This impulsive desire to invoke divine wrath highlighted their misunderstanding of Jesus’s mission of love and mercy. It was a moment where their unrefined passion clashed with the true spirit of the Gospel, which called for compassion and forgiveness rather than retribution. Yet, through this misstep, they were offered an opportunity to learn a profound lesson in grace. Jesus gently rebuked them, steering their fervor towards understanding and empathy. In doing so, He demonstrated that true power lies not in destruction, but in the ability to transform hearts through kindness and patience. This incident, like many others, served as a stepping stone in their spiritual journey, shaping them into the compassionate and wise leaders they were destined to become.
They rebuked others using Jesus’ name
“We saw someone casting out demons in Your name—and we tried to stop him.”
(Mark 9:38)
Young zeal guards territory, not charity.
Their reaction revealed an eagerness to protect the integrity of their mission, yet it also underscored a misunderstanding of the inclusive nature of Jesus's teachings. In their eagerness to maintain control, they overlooked the broader vision of the Kingdom of God, which transcends human boundaries and affiliations. Jesus, with gentle wisdom, corrected their approach, encouraging them to embrace those who act in His name, as such actions contribute to the greater good and reflect the divine love that knows no limits. Through this lesson, the disciples learned that true discipleship is not about exclusivity but about welcoming all who seek to do good, thereby expanding the reach of compassion and grace. This episode was another crucial turn in their journey of spiritual maturity, teaching them that the spirit of unity and collaboration is far more powerful than jealousy or division.
They argued about who was greatest
“Who is the greatest among us?”
(Luke 22:24)
Zeal wants authority before maturity.
This question revealed their human desire for recognition and status, a natural inclination that often conflicts with the teachings of humility and service that Jesus emphasized. In their quest for greatness, they temporarily lost sight of the true essence of leadership as modeled by Jesus—a leadership anchored in servitude and selflessness. Jesus seized this moment to impart a transformative lesson, illustrating that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is measured not by power or prestige, but by one's willingness to serve others.
He taught them that the path to true leadership is paved with humility and love, urging them to be like children—innocent, trusting, and humble—or like servants, who put others' needs before their own. By doing so, Jesus redefined their understanding of greatness, steering them away from worldly notions of authority and towards a more profound, spiritual maturity. This lesson was pivotal, as it guided the disciples towards becoming leaders who were not only fervent in their mission but also compassionate and grounded in love. Through these teachings, they learned that the greatest among them would be those who serve with a pure heart, echoing the very essence of Jesus's life and ministry.
They fell asleep in Gethsemane
Because adrenaline zeal can’t sustain vigil or suffering. Only love can.
Jesus corrected them tenderly, again and again—not to shame them, but to form their zeal into apostolic patience, pastoral gentleness, and fatherly strength.
They had fire.
They needed formation.
So do we.
3. Jesus Himself Had Zeal—but He Had It Perfectly
People often forget this:
Jesus cleansing the Temple shows that zeal is not the problem.
Disordered zeal is.
When Jesus overturned tables (John 2), Scripture says:
“Zeal for Your house will consume me.”
But Jesus’ zeal is:
Father-led
Discerning
Measured
Ordered toward salvation
Free of ego
Free of fear
Free of insecurity
Painful, but pure
He wasn’t trying to “win” a religious argument.
He wasn’t panicking about doctrine.
He wasn’t emotional.
He was a Son acting with the Father’s authority.
This is the end goal of all purification:
Zeal that flows from sonship.
4. The Father’s Invitation
Different stages are not higher and lower—they’re just different seasons in the same workshop.
A master carpenter does not yell at apprentices for not knowing the craft.
He teaches.
He guides.
He encourages.
He lets them make mistakes.
He sees their stage and meets you there.
5. This Is the Workshop: The Slow Craft of the Soul
The Saint Joseph Workshop is not flashy.
It’s not emotional.
It’s not loud.
It’s slow.
Careful.
Forming.
Quiet.
Fatherly.
The grain of your zeal is being sanded.
The cracks healed.
The wood softened.
The point sharpened.
You’re learning to hold your group not with force but with fatherhood.
That’s the sign of maturity.
That’s the fruit of sonship.
That’s the still small voice becoming your compass.
Closing Reflection
Every saint had to walk this path:
Elijah went from fire to whisper.
The apostles went from pride to Pentecost.
Jesus brought perfect zeal to the Father’s house—and perfect gentleness to the sinner’s heart.
You are in that same workshop.
And now you see:
The issue was never “them.”
The issue was the Father forming you.