By: Alex J. Nagem © April 7, 2025

It is known as devotion, fury, dedication, affection, joy, ecstasy, rapture, anger, excitement, suffering, devotion, and intensity. “Passion is defined as a strong inclination toward a self-defining activity that people like (or even love), find important, and in which they invest time and energy regularly. The self-defining activity represents a feature of one’s identity. The activity defines oneself. The activity becomes an inherent part of who the person is” (Robert J. Vallerand, Ph.D.)

How passionate are you? What passion makes you feel the happiest? Is your passion about religious beliefs strong and unwavering? Do religious beliefs define who we are, how we act, and how we think? Are we passionate about being a Christian or Catholic? Do we call ourselves Christian or Catholic? In comparison, I have known musicians and artists who are passionate about their talents. I have also known people who play a musical instrument and enjoy drawing and painting. There is a difference between musicians and artists. Musicians who play the violin, flute, guitar, piano, organ, or maybe a clarinet spend many hours practicing and perfecting their talents. An artist may be captivated by the image in their mind as they attempt to create the picture on canvas, in stone, wood, or clay. This captivation of imagery or musical notes may continue for hours, days, or longer until they are satisfied with their creation. Someone who only plays a musical instrument or likes to draw or paint when the urge or boredom overcomes them, are they considered inspirational to others?

Bringing my thoughts close to home, as it is said. Do we attend and participate in the Holy Mass, recite the prayers of the Rosary, and say prayers only when the urge overcomes us? Do we have such passion about our Christian faith that we are identified as a Christian by our behavior, our kindness, and caring for others? Do we inspire others with our freely chosen passion for Jesus? Does wearing a cross on a chain around one’s neck define someone who believes in God and knows Jesus and the sacrifice He made for us, or is it only a piece of jewelry? Vallerand describes two types of passion. One is harmonious passion. This passion is freely chosen for the pleasure that comes from the activity. People pursue activities that provide harmonious passion because they want to enjoy these passions, not because they may please someone else. This type of passion provides satisfaction in one’s life.  Obsessive passion is the desire and need to please others or to maintain a certain status that is important to self-esteem. It can become unmanageable as it controls one’s life. Our passion for Jesus and His teachings has continued through the centuries. These teachings have brought comfort to those who have felt like an outcast from society, who have sinned against God and their neighbor, and those who have lost religious faith for a time. This passion is one that exists to help others through prayer and caring for those in need. From the prophets of the Old Testament to the Apostles and the generations of those who chose a religious life, they all lived their passion for our Triune God. They have taught us how to pray for ourselves and others. They have shown us how to ask for forgiveness. They have set an example of how we should treat others. They have taught us through words and examples how to live each day with our passion for Jesus and how to share this passion with others. As parents, aunts, and uncles, we are passionate about the care of our children and family. We pray for them and care for their needs. We want our family to grow in faith and in the desire to help others.

We are a complex creation. We have feelings and emotions that may complicate our lives. It seems we are in constant need of direction in life with the many wants and desires that tempt us. We look for examples to follow, for heroes to look up to or emulate. We all want to be loved and cared for. We all want comfort and security. We all have passions in life, harmonious or obsessive. All the passion for which we search is found in Jesus. This Passion has survived centuries and is comparable to none. But this passion must be nurtured and practiced. We should be constantly learning of the passion Jesus has for us, which only increases our obedience and passion for Him and compassion for others.

“Who concerns himself intently and devoutly with our Lord’s most holy life and passion will find there an abundance of all things useful and necessary for him. He need not seek for anything better than Jesus.” Thomas A. Kempis

You are remembered in my prayers, as I hope my family and I are remembered in yours.

“Vocatus Atque Non Vocatus, Deus Aderit”
Alex J. Nagem © 5.6.18 Rev