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I am not a joy-filled person. I know there are those out there who know me who would disagree, what with me being such a delight to be around.
But in reality – on the inside – I get annoyed, frustrated, angry, and anxious quite easily.
Well, of course Scripture has something to say about that:
“…rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength”
Nehemiah 8:10
Do I rejoice in the Lord? If so, then why am I not joyful? I don’t mean just happy, because happiness is fleeting. Happiness is a feeling. Joy is more than that. Joy can lead to happiness. But where does joy come from?
I’ve been reflecting on this for quite awhile – partially because I wanted to figure out what I was doing wrong, and partially because in the last few months I’ve given talks on retreats about that Scripture passage.
I realized that joy comes from gratitude. When we are grateful for things, we find joy in that.
But I was grateful, wasn’t I? I told God I was grateful for what I had…or were those empty words? Saying it more out of habit than out of sincerity? Wasn’t I grateful for my wife? For my children? My family and friends?
I think I wasn’t grateful because gratitude is also linked to expectations. When we expect something, then we aren’t as grateful for it as we can be. If I expect to eat food today, then I’m not grateful for it, especially when it’s something I don’t particularly like. If I expect to get somewhere on time, then I’m not grateful that I got there at all. If I expect to grow old with my wife and see my children become adults, then I’m not grateful for every day I get with them.
If I expect to go to heaven when I die, then I am not grateful for Jesus suffering, dying, and Resurrecting. If I expect God to forgive me when I die, then I’m not grateful for His love and mercy here on earth.
And ultimately, that’s where our joy should come from – not from an expectation of going to heaven, but of the hope and knowledge that heaven is within reach because of Jesus’ sacrifice. And that can lead to choosing to hope for the things on earth instead of choosing to expect it. Because if I hope to eat food today, it is easier to be grateful for the food I do eat.
Many saints were joyful – and holy – because they were grateful even in suffering, because they were more connected to Jesus in His suffering.
And if I am able to be more grateful for all the things in life – even the hardships – it will be easier to find joy in all things – especially in the Lord.
Joyful saints are the greatest
From St. Theresa of Jesus (Avila)
“From silly devotions and sour-faced saints, good Lord, deliver us!”
keep up the joyful work brother.
We were grateful to experience your retreat yesterday. You shared good insight into the readings for today’s Mass. I hope the teens will internalize the need for gratitude and hope in their faith journey. Thank you.