Joy. That is what this world lacks. We need joy in our days.
How can we be joyful when:
- there's tornadoes
- car accidents
- school shootings
- exams
- sickness
- death
- ingratitude
- ungratefulness
- rush
- impatience
- hate
- rejection
- misunderstanding
- headaches
- feelings worthless
- lack of motivation
- lust
- sin
- and more...
I tell you my brother's and sisters, joy comes from Jesus.
It seems every saint I read about was known for being joyful. St. John of the Cross was a man who loved humor, and loved making people laugh. He was greatly welcomed by those who knew him. He was misunderstood, rejected, imprisoned, and suffered greatly in his life; however, he remained joyful. In St. Therese's little way, she knew the love of Jesus, and she knew suffering, yet she remained joyful.
Mother Teresa was known for being joyful in her time on this earth. Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." (Mother Teresa). Cardinal Dolan, who was just made a Cardinal was recently made a Cardinal is known for his joy. Both Bl. Pope John Paul II and our current Pope Benedict XVI are men of joy. These are just a few examples.
Practicals: Being Joyful Amidst Trial -
- prayer
- surrender to the Lord
- Christian community
- Giving thanks
- Counting your blessings
I've hit the point of realizing we need to be joyful, but how can I be joyful all the time, or even half of the time?
Reading One Thousand Blessings, I've learned that by counting my blessings, and being thankful for the food on the table, a roof over my head, a family who loves me, the opportunity to get an education, opportunity to serve people, a job - in seeing each of these as a gift from God I rejoice, for the Lord has abundantly blessed me.
"Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer" -Romans 12:12
