On Arturo Toscanini's 80th birthday his son Walter was asked what great musical achievement was his father's greatest accomplishment. 'For him there can be no such thing,' Walter replied. 'Whatever he happens to be doing at the moment is the biggest thing in his life - whether it is conducting a symphony or peeling an orange.'

Our word 'enthusiasm' is derived from the two Greek words 'en' and 'theos' - 'in God' or 'God within'. Enthusiasm means being full of God, who takes a constant delight in his continuing work of creation.

Apathy can only be overcome by enthusiasm, wrote Arnold Toynbee, and enthusiasm can only be aroused by two things: first, an ideal which takes the imagination by storm and second, a definite intelligible plan for carrying that ideal into practice.

So part of the secret is to wake up each day believing that this day is important, whatever it brings. Enjoy it!

Joyous Jesus, I pray for an injection of enthusiasm today enthusiasm that is infectious. Thank you. Amen.