Passion

     I am currently reading David McCullough's new book "The Greater Journey - Americans in Paris".  David McCullough has written many historical works, among them being "John Adams".  This work is about the many American artists, writers and persons of interest who found the Paris of the 1800's to be important to their lives and work.  Whether artist, writer, sculptor, politician, physician or student, the stories of those who found their passion, or who found renewed passion in their work, because of Paris is inspiring.  It almost makes me want to be in Parish with them.

     This past Thursday I celebrated the funeral liturgy for Carolyn "Susie" Balog from our parish.  Her son spoke briefly in the eulogy of his mom being a passionate woman.  Her passions were her family whom she loved with all her heart; higher education, which she stressed for her children, and which she attained in her 40's with an Associates Degree;  her love of creativity which she displayed in her quilting as well as other things.  He kept speaking of his mother's passion.

     We often see great passion exhibited in regard to our sports teams - professional and high school and younger.  We camp out, we tail gate, we brave every weather condition to grouse or cheer on our teams - with passion.  Even when our baseball team does not do well, we are still there and supportive.

     If we can find and sustain "passion" for these and so many other things of importance to us, then ought we not to allow a passion to develop in regard to that which should be most important in our lives - our relationship with Jesus Christ and our life in his Church?  If we could garner half of the enthusiasm and gusto for our life of faith that we put into so much else, just imagine where we might go, to what heights we might sour. What we need is PASSION, and what we need to be is PASSIONATE.