Passion for Life

   For God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not die, but have eternal life. (John 3: 16)

   God wanted us to be reconnected to live, united with all in heaven.  So Jesus came and lived as a man, suffered and died as a condemned criminal and was raised from death to bridge The Way to the Father.  April 17^th is Palm Sunday, which we also call “Passion Sunday.”  Jesus’ “passion” was the time from The Last Supper through His crucifixion and burial (which we also call the Paschal Mystery).

   Passion has many meanings according to the dictionary.  One of them is “intense love.”  I think this is very close to Jesus’ passion.

   God loves us so much that Jesus took human form to raise us up through His resurrection.  Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend.”  Because of this great love we come to know God, and feel some of that love.

   To lay down my life for a friend is an extreme situation.  It is not likely I will often have to make that choice.  Try looking at it in a different way; we might make a sacrifice so others come closer to God.

   That’s a totally different way to see it.  That is easier for me to understand, and more often a choice I’ll face.  I can give something of mine, sacrificing to share with others the message of Life, Eternal Life.

   The sacrifice could be money toward a worthy cause, or time, talent and effort to help someone meet my friend Jesus.  In a homily Fr. Richard Hopkins said, “The only Jesus some people may ever meet could be through you.”  I need to live so others can see Jesus through me.

   I can introduce many to Jesus with simple words and actions.  As these words and actions become more frequent, they become a way of life, a habit.  I love to share with others about Jesus in my life because I learn more about my faith, and my love of God grows too.

   The result is that I have a love of Life, true Life, Life in Christ.  Now by imitating Jesus’ example I am developing a passion for life and sharing the excitement for our living faith.  Serving others in this way continues to build up the kingdom of God.

   Let Jesus’ passion for Life help you on the Way to get closer to God’s kingdom.  Our continued connection (and re-connection) with God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – helps us develop our own passion for Life.