That is what it said on our entrance sign. What a peculiar double meaning the word “passion” has. On the one hand, if we really enjoy something, we say, we have a passion for it; on the other hand, passion means suffering.

Currently, the movie “The Passion of the Christ” is in theaters all over the country and in many other countries of the world. With our pastor and a group of our parishioners I saw it recently, and I can say that no other movie has touched me as profoundly as this one has. I was deeply impressed, and it took me a few days to recover from that experience. I fully agree with Billy Graham, who states that the movie in a way makes us witnesses to what happened in Jerusalem two millennia ago. Graham says:

“I have often wondered what it must have been like to be a bystander during those last hours before Jesus’ death. After watching : ‘ The Passion of the Christ,’ I feel as if I have actually been there. I was moved to tears. I doubt if there has ever been a more graphic and moving presentation of Jesus’ death and resurrection – which Christians believe are the most important events in human history.”

No doubt, this is a very powerful movie, and its director, Mel Gibson, clearly sees it as a mission tool. He hopes that it will lead people to a deeper understanding of the suffering that Christ endured for us. How is it possible, that Christ did all of this for us – for you? Max Lucado explains it this way:

“Suppose you are found guilty of a crime. You are in a courtroom in front of the judge, and he sentences you to death for your crime. His sentence is just. You are guilty, and the punishment for your crime is death. But suppose that the judge is your father. He knows the law; he knows that your crime demands a death. But he knows love; he knows that he loves you too much to let you die. So in a wonderful act of love, he stands and removes his robe and stands by your side and says, ‘I’m going to die in your place’.”

That is what God did for you, and that is why Christ had to undergo this tremendous suffering that culminated in His death on the cross. That is why Christ is our Savior.

So, when you ask yourself, “what is the passion in my life?”, you may realize that it is Christ’s Passion that makes all the difference in your life. Through Jesus’ wounds we are healed. He paid the price once and for all. Thanks be to God!

Vicar Jens