Contageous enthusiasm

'Come for a pizza party'. The invitation sounded simple enough and the acceptance was even less complicated. Like all meetings of friends, I knew that this was going to be an experience not to be missed.

One of our priests has recently returned from a sabbatical leave, and wanted to share some of his experiences with us. The setting was a simple table surrounded with eager ears and an even more excited heart and tongue which told of adventures lived in a land we have all heard of, but which some never have the chance to visit. The raconteur was Msgr. Jean-Paul Jolicoeur (or JP as he is known to many), and the stories originated in the Eternal City (Rome) and continued into parts of the Holy Land.

This was a simple encounter, quite like what I picture the gatherings must have been like when the disciples returned from their treks or when the apostles gathered for a meal with good friends and told stories of their daily encounters, their journey of faith, their musings, their doubts, their joys.

Thanks to modern technology, and the fact that J-P loves to take photos, he even treated us to some of the myriad of pictures he took during his three-month stay. The mixture of warm camaraderie, fraternal conversation and respectful listening as the story was told was refreshing and good for the soul. In its retelling, the experience is shared by those who lived it, with those who entered into the exchange of conversation.

Isn't this what it must have been like for the disciples as they continued the work of proclaiming the good news? Was their enthusiasm as infectious as his? Did others feel the need to deepen their experience of faith by coming to the table, and by partaking in the feast offered even today for all those who are invited? Do we dare allow ourselves to taste of this enthusiasm ourselves, and to get caught up in it's ongoing power to warm our hearts with zeal?