When the Homily is about Immunology

Passion

A couple of definitions fit the commonly used Orthodox context of the term: An abandoned display of emotion, lust, or desire and, simply, martyr.

Bishop BENJAMIN said something in his brief preview homily on Tuesday evening that really struck me. In speaking about our Patroness, the "new Martyr" he reminded us of how the word martyr is besmirched by those "martyrs" who do NOT become Passion Bearers, but rather Passion makers. Those who would, by their own efforts, cause their own deaths and the deaths and sufferings of those around them. What can we say of such a "witness", in contrast to the gentle, loving, and selfless sacrifice of St. Elizabeth?

One bears witness to a God who is Himself a Passion Bearer, while the other bears witness to a "god" who itself is a Passion Maker. The contrast is striking. When your God is your example to follow, you will find that we Christians do indeed carry a heavier burden...dare I say...a holier burden.