Here is the text of the reflection I shared with those who came to pray with us this weekend, some thoughts on the gift of joy.
This past week, a part of my family held a reunion. This was the very first time that this part of my family had ever held such a gathering, and what a gathering it was! I have known for years that there are parts of our family who live all over the world, but I discovered this past week that some of them did not realize we were so numerous, nor that we are so geographically spread out. A part of my family lives in Canada, others live in the USA, others live in Panama and still others live in Jamaica … and that’s only the ones who came to this reunion! What a joy it was to see some of my cousins who I haven’t seen for years, and to meet others for the first time!
The joy of such an encounter is not unlike the joy that was on Jesus lips when he was at prayer. In today’s gospel, he exclaims: I thank you, Father … for revealing these things. Now that we have returned from the reunion, it is time indeed to thank God for the gift he has given, and to thank those who worked so hard to make it possible for people from different parts of the Americas to finally meet in one place.
I thank you Father … for revealing these things. Joy is a wonderful gift; it is a gift from God himself. Each of us who has had the joy of coming to know Jesus in the gospels responds with gratitude, because as we come to know him, the joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus (Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, 1). There are some of us here in this church today who know the joy of encountering Jesus – we experience this joy every day in prayer, and for this we should always give thanks, but there are also some who may find it difficult at times to believe that such joy is possible: especially those who are facing uncertainties or those who have been tempted by the lure of the world around us to believe that we can live life without knowing Jesus. There are so many in our society who have fallen prey to the devil’s trap, but it is never too late, because Jesus has left the door open and is always waiting to welcome those who ask for his help. Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, he says, and I will give you rest.
When we’ve had a good night’s sleep, our bodies are refreshed and we are ready to face the day. Knowing Jesus is somewhat like this, but better. The rest that Jesus gives refreshes our spirit, fills us with life, invigorates us, makes us excited about the possibility of meeting him. A soul that has encountered Jesus has seen the fulfillment of Zachariah’s prophecy foretold in today’s first reading, and can truly rejoice.
A soul that has encountered Jesus is incapable of keeping such joy contained. This is a joy that must be shared with others. Having encountered Jesus in this way, Saint Paul shared this good news with the early Christians in Rome: The Spirit of God dwells in you … and if the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also …
The summer months are finally here! Take time while you rest to discover the joy of encountering Jesus, and dare to tell others about this joy. If others encounter this joy in you, perhaps they too will want to discover it for themselves.
The joy of knowing the Father
This past week, a part of my family held a reunion. This was the very first time that this part of my family had ever held such a gathering, and what a gathering it was! I have known for years that there are parts of our family who live all over the world, but I discovered this past week that some of them did not realize we were so numerous, nor that we are so geographically spread out. A part of my family lives in Canada, others live in the USA, others live in Panama and still others live in Jamaica … and that’s only the ones who came to this reunion! What a joy it was to see some of my cousins who I haven’t seen for years, and to meet others for the first time!
The joy of such an encounter is not unlike the joy that was on Jesus lips when he was at prayer. In today’s gospel, he exclaims: I thank you, Father … for revealing these things. Now that we have returned from the reunion, it is time indeed to thank God for the gift he has given, and to thank those who worked so hard to make it possible for people from different parts of the Americas to finally meet in one place.
I thank you Father … for revealing these things. Joy is a wonderful gift; it is a gift from God himself. Each of us who has had the joy of coming to know Jesus in the gospels responds with gratitude, because as we come to know him, the joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus (Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, 1). There are some of us here in this church today who know the joy of encountering Jesus – we experience this joy every day in prayer, and for this we should always give thanks, but there are also some who may find it difficult at times to believe that such joy is possible: especially those who are facing uncertainties or those who have been tempted by the lure of the world around us to believe that we can live life without knowing Jesus. There are so many in our society who have fallen prey to the devil’s trap, but it is never too late, because Jesus has left the door open and is always waiting to welcome those who ask for his help. Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, he says, and I will give you rest.
When we’ve had a good night’s sleep, our bodies are refreshed and we are ready to face the day. Knowing Jesus is somewhat like this, but better. The rest that Jesus gives refreshes our spirit, fills us with life, invigorates us, makes us excited about the possibility of meeting him. A soul that has encountered Jesus has seen the fulfillment of Zachariah’s prophecy foretold in today’s first reading, and can truly rejoice.
A soul that has encountered Jesus is incapable of keeping such joy contained. This is a joy that must be shared with others. Having encountered Jesus in this way, Saint Paul shared this good news with the early Christians in Rome: The Spirit of God dwells in you … and if the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also …
The summer months are finally here! Take time while you rest to discover the joy of encountering Jesus, and dare to tell others about this joy. If others encounter this joy in you, perhaps they too will want to discover it for themselves.
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