Prophets of old talk about a fire in the belly. Good preachers talk about that same fire. It is an invisible urge to proclaim God’s word, teach God’s message and build the kingdom that cannot be denied. The passion to be a good catechist is a pure gift of the Holy Spirit. When we walk into the classroom, every student should know that we are excited about the gospel and the Church. We are there to pour out the excitement we know, an excitement that is contagious. In the words of an old Evangelical hymn, “We’re under the spout where the glory comes out!” The summer is ending and we now come back to the ministry of our gift. To teach Jesus and his gospel takes passion. As you prepare lesson plans, keep in mind the energy, the fire, the passion behind your plans. That is the place where catechesis begins.

Passion and knowledge are good dancing partners in the catechetical realm. While I urge you to get excited about the faith for your student’s benefit, it is even more powerful to fill their minds after you have filled their hearts. Sometimes when I read the explanations in the catechism or an exegesis of the Sunday Gospel, it brings the message to such relevance because the texts are supported by my belief. Our job, as catechist, is to help others make that connection.

Ahhh…August! It’s the time when those who direct school-year catechetical programs are scrambling for catechists, dealing with late registrations and making sure that textbooks and supplies are ready. So where does formation of those new catechists fit in?

If we are talking about passion, fire and excitement this month, one thing keeps coming to mind: the source of all this fire is found in the Eucharist. Good catechist, good Catholics have the greatest secret ammunition on earth: we have the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. As we head back to spreading the faith we need to keep the fire burning. Mike Aquilina’s new book, Fire of God’s Love: 120 Reflections on the Eucharist is just what the doctor (the divine doctor, that is) ordered. The back of the book has a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien: “The only cure for sagging or fainting faith is communion.” This book offers the inspiration and encouragement to inspire a love for the Eucharist. Whether we are dealing with depression, recession or just plain old weariness, these pages can relight your fire. What an awesome God we have! What an awesome sacrament he gives us in the Eucharist. Allow the words of those who have gone before us light the holy fire within. Also keep in mind Father Robert Barron's new audiobook, Eucharist, a fresh look at the Eucharist which brings to light the spiritual meaning of meal, sacrifice, and real presence in our lives.