(I am still discovering many of you do not realize that you can read these weekly emails on your phone much more easily if you click on the green picture – header -at the top of the email! It takes a few seconds to load, but it is so worth it!)
So …. Dear TSJ Friends …. Greetings on this Wednesday before Easter!
This is the week that Christians remember the Passion of Christ. I will say a bit more about that in a moment.
But it brings to mind the question, “What is passion?” The dictionary says it is a “strong emotion and intense desire or enthusiasm for something.”
So I have been wondering…. “What is your passion?”
And this is a good week to reflect on that topic!
It seems like the year is flying by and many of you who are teachers and parents are coming into the time of your “spring break.” Solomon, SJ, Sigmund 
and I hope it will be refreshing for your minds, bodies and souls.
I know many TSJ readers are teachers, parents, leaders, and people who are passionately committed to their faith, families, church and work.
And I have been thinking – passion is not for wimps. With passion we are likely to suffer from time to time – with heartache, discouragement and fatigue – despite our dedication and enthusiasm. But Solomon wisely reminds us that we have a Shepherd who knows our suffering.
Sometimes we wonder, How do we stay inspired? How do we stay passionate about our mission when things often seem futile and discouraging?
That brings me to share that I have been pondering ways Jesus modeled how to handle suffering. He prayed. He never gave up on the disciples (nor does he give up on us) and steadily believed in his mission in spite of the fact others did not “get it” and resisted. He continued to see the potential in others. He loved well. He gave of himself and surrendered the human desire for approval, looking only to God.
Today, I am choosing to remind us of the passion story.
Each event is preceded with a ‘the” because it means more than “a” in these sentences.
Most of you are familiar with the passion of Christ. But as I was re-reading the events it struck me each event has an importance all its own.
First, let’s think about Jesus as “The Man’“
God sent him. As I grow in my own faith I realize more and more that Jesus was not a wimp! No sir~eee. He was a manly man. I am not sure why so much art work and so many folks see him as a, soft spoken – almost passive – teacher.
After all, he hung out daily with 12 very earthy men – strong men (both in stature and in smell, I suspect) from hours on the water hauling in fish. They were rough men. I am sure they did not clean up for Jesus.
He also had a strong voice. He must have. He spoke without modern sound equipment to crowds of thousands!
Here is how the story of The Ultimate Passion unfolds:
The Plot — The Anointing — The Passover — The Lord’s Supper
All these events are described in Matthew’s gospel. Jesus knew there were people plotting his death. He warned his disciples but they did not understand. He even talked with them over dinner and was anointed by a woman who brought expensive ointment in an alabaster jar. He explained it was a prep for his burial.
And while eating, he broke bread and drank the wine explaining their meaning for future generations to remember the sacrifice he made. He gave up his authority and his very life to show us death need not be the final story.
He was a strong, protective man whose passion was to rescue us all from the grips of the evils of the earth and open our eyes to The Truth – God’s Love, mercy and forgiveness is always available.
Have you ever been in a tough spot or actual danger and been rescued? If so, you know the relief and rejoicing it can bring. It can change your perspective on life. That was The Mission.
The Denial — The Betrayal — The Suicide — The Mockery.
Poor Peter. He completely denied knowing Jesus right after he boldly said he would follow him anywhere. And poor Jesus. He prayed in agony alone while Peter and others slept. Then there was one of his disciples – Judas – who betrayed him, regretted it and committed suicide. Then there was tremendous mockery on top of physical pain on the cross. Have you ever been unfairly mocked?
The Crucifixion — The Burial — The Resurrection
A rich man took care of Jesus’ body and gave Jesus his own grave. A large stone was used to make sure no one would steal the body. Guards were even placed there. But two women were informed by an angel that Jesus was alive and on his way to Galilee. They were told to tell the disciples. They ran and did just that – – – excited and scared.
The Commission —
Jesus commissioned his disciples to go and spread the good news knowing the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit will always go with them and guide them. We see they did that. A few disciples can make a huge impact in the world… making waves and ripples like hurling a large rock in the lake.
The Shared Journey – –
Over two thousand years later the disciples’ ripples are being felt. As Solomon and I have re-read the story we too hear the commission to share the good news of God’s love. At TSJ we believe our children deserve to hear it and see it in action through us. In so doing, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.” (Psalm 23)
