I sat in Mass on Gaudete Sunday and listened as my pastor talked about joy. His homily got my mind racing to account for the joy in life, the Advent season and, of course, the joy of the coming of Christ in Christmas. Even though I do try to think a little about joy each time I go to Mass, sometimes it is difficult to focus on the joy of our faith when there are so many people and circumstances to pray for and about. And in thinking about “finding” and “knowing” joy, my mind went first to all those things that push joy to one side of our hearts and minds.

There are people all around who are sick, fighting disease, family stresses and situations that all need prayer. There are people in other parts of the world who are experiencing untold amounts of violence, displacement, hunger and oppression. These situations can certainly obliterate thoughts of joy and peace. There are also our own internal, personal struggles that can choke out any hope of joy springing forth. Joy has a hard time seeping through to our souls if it is clogged by physical pain and discomfort, grief and loneliness or spiritual drought. Yes, unfortunately joy can be a difficult thing to find, cling to and celebrate sometimes.

Especially when you look around the church and realize there are so many people you know who are not in the pew next to you. Let me explain.

For my husband and me, gone are the days when our family took over an entire pew. Our children are grown and gone for the most part. So it is just the two of us. The joy of togetherness has morphed.

Then there are the people we loved and grew up with who have been called home to God. Even if we weren’t close friends to some of those fellow parishioners, it was still always a joy to see them at Mass and exchange pleasantries and of course, the sign of peace.

And then there is the profound sadness of people who simply don’t come to church anymore. Whether they realize it or not, we miss them most of all and their absence can create kind of a dark cloud that obstructs the fullness of our joy. And even though we miss their physical presence, we attempt to console ourselves by keeping them with us in prayer, but it’s not the same.

As I sat there in that hard old pew, focusing a little too much on what blocks joy, rather than on what causes it, I remembered a couple of things. As Cher’s character in the movie “Moonstruck” said, I needed to “Snap out of it!”  I also remembered my good friend Father John Catoir, author of a trilogy of books on joy. Father John would be quick to point out that all the impediments to joy I was quick to conjure, are also opportunities for it. And that is where my mind was pulled … life’s opportunities for joy.

“Be of good cheer. Though it is true, in this world you will have many troubles, always remember, I have overcome the world.”
Jn 16:33

I did snap out of it and realized I knew joy because …

â–ºâ€...My husband and I raised our family to contribute to the world in their own way, so having emptiness in our pew frees it for the next generation.

â–ºâ€...The fact that my heart does ache for people who have died means that I was never alone, I had the joy of friends who left a mark and a memory on my soul enough to miss them and continue praying for them. 

â–ºâ€...Sickness and pain give way to healing, and the lessons we can learn from that process is considerable.

â–ºâ€...There is always hope. If those of us in the churches on Sundays take faith with us in a joyful positive way, others will eventually find their way back.

â–ºâ€...“The fruit of the Spirit is joy.” Gal 5:2

So as we prepare to wind down another Advent season and make way for the blessings and promise of the Christ child, let us continue to be aware of the joy in our faith. Joy is that gift that keeps giving to all of us. I hope you can join me in giving thanks for the hardships of life which also provide us with those great opportunities to know and share the joy that God gave as a gift through his son Jesus our Lord.

“The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” Lk 2:10-11

Rejoice and Merry Christmas! May you continue to find joy in everything and everyone.