Passion with the Spirit
What makes us change, change for good, that is? Passion. People change when they love someone or something intensely. Tim Winton, the novelist recounted his transformation from virtual redneck to ardent conservationist. It surprised many, including himself but he simply couldn’t let his beloved coastline of Western Australia be trashed for the sake of one dubious resort. The threatened area is now World Heritage. Winton has made friends and powerful enemies but he is at peace with himself.
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, remembering the transformation that came over Jesus’ fearful cowering disciples when the Holy Spirit changed them into people ready to proclaim to the world the love of God they had experienced in Jesus. On this feast we also often celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation when we pray that the Holy Spirit might come upon those receiving the Sacrament, filling them with life, love and passion. As parents and caregivers, we have the responsibility not only to pray for these children but to foster in them the passions that will give them rich and meaningful lives. God’s Spirit desires to unite with our spirit giving us the wisdom, energy, patience and fortitude to foster what we most deeply love. Too much of our society advises us to tone down, to conform to some sanitised ideal. On this feast we are encouraged to do the opposite: to claim the passion that is in our hearts and to ask God’s Spirit to fan it into a flame that we may burn brightly with love.
Loving God, send your Spirit into the hearts of our children. May we guide their minds and hearts to discern what they truly love, to work with passion for its fulfilment and to have joy as they grow into your life and love. We ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear us.