Sunday of Cheese-Fare 2024

Recognizing and grappling with human passions from a spiritual standpoint is often misunderstood and underestimated. In this enlightening sermon, you will revisit the concept of ‘passions’. From a societal vantage point, passions suggest an intense desire or enthusiasm, feelings that fuel many of our worldly pursuits. However, the real work begins when we shift from worldly passions to the Church’s interpretation of passions: powerful impulses and appetites dominating the soul.

Within the spiritual realm, some passions are widely referred to as the 'Seven Deadly Passions': pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth. But how do these passions manifest and lead us to sin? We learn about the process of sin development, with anger used as an example. This exploration is followed by the concept of overcoming passions, focusing particularly on transforming anger into meekness – the path to salvation.

A deeper understanding of the virtue of meekness in line with Christ's teachings forms a crucial part of the homily. According to Christ, 'blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.' The homily delves into the transforming power of meekness, its value in your spiritual life, and its potential to completely uplift your life choices.

The sermon also emphasizes the importance of confession, self-reflection, and persistence in the fight against passions. The sermon ends with a call to perseverance, encouraging you not to back down in the face of defeat. Remember, the pursuit of passionlessness is not just about winning but continuing the fight for spiritual liberation.