If there is one word I emphasized in my seminary classes, it was “passion.” I would encourage seminarians to bring passion to their ministry when they are ordained as priests, particularly in preaching and outreach. Without passion, they risk becoming mediocre priests and preachers, unable to bring vibrant life to a community of faith.
Passion is what comes to mind when I think of the Feast of Pentecost, as it evokes the image of tongues of fire—the fire of God’s love, which represents the Holy Spirit. The Lord sent the Apostles the power of the Holy Spirit like tongues of fire, imbuing their minds and hearts with intense eagerness, compelling drive, and courage to proclaim the Risen Christ as the Son of God to all people and to teach them His ways.
A passionate ministerial life is driven by an intense love for God and His people. This is exemplified by Pope Francis at the end of his life. The day before he died, on Easter Sunday, he struggled to breathe but still emerged from the balcony of his Vatican residence to give his Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) blessing. Throughout his life as a priest, bishop, and pope, he reached out to people—especially the poor and marginalized—with profound eagerness and concern, making them feel loved and valued.
With passion, a minister of God does not become discouraged when facing the challenges of ministry, such as rejection and disillusionment. The Holy Spirit grants him or her the courage to confront these difficulties.
Passion is also essential for those called to marriage and family life. This passion should extend beyond mere success in earning a living and providing for the needs of their children; it should also encompass a vibrant and devoted Christian faith, always engaged in the prayer and apostolic life of the Church.
Similarly, passion is necessary in one’s profession, as long as it focuses not on selfish motives but on genuine care for others and the advancement of humanity in light of the Gospel and God’s design. For example, politicians must fulfill their vocation with a passionate heart to promote progress, dignity, peace, and justice for all people and the world.
If we feel our passion waning, we need to ask God to inspire us once again, to rekindle the fire of His love and renew us. We may also need the inspiration of those around us who never give up on life and their dreams for a better world.
Let us hold fast to the words of the Prophet Joel (3:1-5) as we pray for a life filled with passion for God and His people:
“Thus says the LORD:
I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh.
Your sons and daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
your young men shall see visions;
even upon the servants and the handmaids,
in those days, I will pour out my Spirit.”
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California
