It is important for me to realize that Jesus fulfills his mission not by what he does, but by what is done to him. Just as with everyone else, most of my life is determined by what is done to me and thus is passion. And because most of my life is passion, things being done to me, only small parts of my life are determined by what I think, say, or do. I am inclined to protest against this and to want all to be action originated by me. But the truth is that my passion is a much greater part of my life than my action. Not to recognize this is self-deception and not to embrace my passion with love is self-rejection.
It is good news to know that Jesus is handed over to passion, and through his passion accomplishes his divine task on earth. It is good news for a world passionately searching for wholeness.
Jesus’ words to Peter remind me that Jesus’ transition from action to passion must also be ours if we want to follow his way. He says, When you were young you put on your own belt and walked where you liked; but when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and somebody else will put a belt round you and take you where you would rather not go (John 21:18).
Image source: El Greco, The Tears of St. Peter (late 16th c.), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Peter#/media/File:El_Greco_-_Las_l%C3%A1grimas_de_San_Pedro.jpg
Quotation source
--Henri Nouwen
Image source: El Greco, The Tears of St. Peter (late 16th c.), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Peter#/media/File:El_Greco_-_Las_l%C3%A1grimas_de_San_Pedro.jpg
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