Passion, as the first dynamic of our charism related to our primary discipline of journeying, inspires us to journey. The source of this passion is the Father’s “good pleasure” in uniting in Christ all things in heaven and on earth (Eph. 1:9). It is because the Father is “well pleased” with us that He anoints us with the Spirit and sends us forth to minister justice in a chivalric manner until the cause of justice is brought forth to victory (Matt. 12:18-21). We journey out of passion, not fear, knowing that the Father is “well pleased” with us in Christ. Through our Liturgy, Catechism and Canons we seek union with Christ in His passion, as “the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). Such joyful passion makes the Church the Church. A joyless Christianity is not Christianity. Joyless worship is not Christian worship. And a joyless Church is not Christ’s Church. The gospel begins and ends with great joy. At the gospel’s beginning “the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.’” (Lk. 2:10) And at the gospel’s end “they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Lk. 24:52). The Father says, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matt. 25:21). While we eat bread and drink wine in the Liturgical celebration of the Eucharist, this kingdom act “is not about eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17). A joyless, passionless Basileian is not a Basileian. We enter into passion by responding to the Father’s passion.
Also see Convergence, Empowerment, Transformation, and Wisdom.