From the YouCat (Youth Catechism):

Why did God give us “passions” or emotions? 

We have passions so that through strong emotions and distinct feelings we might be attracted to what is right and good and repelled from what is evil and bad.

God made man in such a way that he can love and hate, desire or despise something, be attracted by some things and afraid of others, be full of joy, sorrow, or anger. In the depths of his heart man always loves good and hates evil—or what he considers to be such.

Is someone a sinner if he experiences strong passions within himself? 

No, passions can be very valuable. They are designed to lead to and reinforce good actions; only when they are disordered do the passions contribute to evil.

Passions that are ordered to the good become virtues. They then become the motive force of a life of fighting for love and justice. Passions that overpower a person, rob him of his freedom and entice him to evil, we call vice.  (YOUCAT questions 293-294)

I get a daily email from Father Ron Rolheiser, priest and writer, whose column sometimes appears in The Catholic Moment, the newspaper of the Lafayette Diocese. Loved this quote in a recent email newsletter from him. It’s especially compelling for parents :):

“It is safe to trust, to let our loved ones be free, because a power beyond us loves them more than we do and ultimately takes care of their safety.”

As a parent of young boys, I don’t have to worry about letting them be free quite yet, but that day does give me pause. I can’t imagine sending them off on their own!

You can read more from his column on this topic here.

Yesterday, Blessed Anna Rosa Gattorno of Italy (born 1831) was the Saint of the Day on my Laudate App. The description of her life started with this quote from her:

“My love, what can I do to make the whole world love you? … Make use once again of this wretched instrument to renew the faith and the conversion of sinners.”

Such devotion always amazes and inspires me. Blessed Anna Rosa was also a mother, so that amazes me even more :), that she could focus so fully on her love despite the hectic pace of life as a mom. Her dedication also reminds me of my patron saint St. Therese of Lisieux. I can only aspire to such complete and utter devotion.

From the YouCat (Catechism for Youth) regarding the celebration of the Eucharist:

“God gives himself to each one of us individually, and he wants to transform us through communion with him. Once we are transformed, we are supposed to transform the world. Everything else that the Church is besides that is secondary.”

I love this thought. We are transformed and in turn we are to transform the world. That’s a powerful action item!!