Word-Play
Passion is an amazing word.
According to Webster's, here are some of its useages:
passion, n. (LL. passio, passionis, from L. pati, passus, to suffer.)
5. subjection to imposed or inflicted pain; suffering; distress.
6. the suffering of Christ, especially in Gethsemane and on Calvary.
7.Overpowering devotion; intense affection or inclination.
We all know the application of passion in the realm of pastimes: people are passionate about gardening, opera, antiques, and baseball.
Also familiar to our ears is the passion between the sexes. Peruse any romance novel or chick-flick for that.
Among our youth (and young-at-heart) is the commendable pursuit of passion in the things of God.
But what about the concept of suffering on the behalf of what one loves? I'm not talking about the young damsel withering away over unrequited love. I'm referring to the rather inhuman, unnatural pursuit of experiencing inner pain for future gain. We will not waste time if we ponder such things, considering our bent to shy away from suffering altogether.
Perhaps Pandora would advise us not to open this box, but the Lenten season can give us leverage to explore biblical passion.
I'm in. Are you?
Passion is an amazing word.
According to Webster's, here are some of its useages:
passion, n. (LL. passio, passionis, from L. pati, passus, to suffer.)
5. subjection to imposed or inflicted pain; suffering; distress.
6. the suffering of Christ, especially in Gethsemane and on Calvary.
7.Overpowering devotion; intense affection or inclination.
We all know the application of passion in the realm of pastimes: people are passionate about gardening, opera, antiques, and baseball.
Also familiar to our ears is the passion between the sexes. Peruse any romance novel or chick-flick for that.
Among our youth (and young-at-heart) is the commendable pursuit of passion in the things of God.
But what about the concept of suffering on the behalf of what one loves? I'm not talking about the young damsel withering away over unrequited love. I'm referring to the rather inhuman, unnatural pursuit of experiencing inner pain for future gain. We will not waste time if we ponder such things, considering our bent to shy away from suffering altogether.
Perhaps Pandora would advise us not to open this box, but the Lenten season can give us leverage to explore biblical passion.
I'm in. Are you?
posted by thisrequiresthought at 11:34 AM
3 Comments:
good stuff - I want in as well.
It seems to me that many Christian disciplines engage self-imposed suffering to one degree or another in that they require death to self, the setting aside of personal desire and fulfillment for the sake of something greater.
Fasting prepares the way for even greater acts of passion, if you will. The laying down of one's life begins with the practice of smaller sacrifice; fasting is one such example, regular prayer is another.
These are some thoughts that come to mind. Perhaps Lenten is a good reminder of sacrifice that should become a lifestyle, commonly named among us.
I can see that I have a long way to go. This is not an easy thing to desire to attain. I think it requires specific scripture reading and meditation so that it is borne of true love rather than dead works.
So I can also see that it is time to start chewing.
I'm still not sure what you are inviting us in on.
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