Surprised by Joy

Living a joyful life is something to which most of us aspire. It is uplifting to encounter other people who are so filled with joy that we want to remain in their presence. And when we experience genuine joy ourselves, it is something we hope persists for as long as possible.

Simply put, joy is attractive and contagious.

In November 2013, Pope Francis presented the Universal Church with the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel. In the exhortation, he reminds us from the very start that genuine joy comes from a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Joy is not something that we manufacture on our own or something superficial. Genuine joy emerges when we unite our will with the will of God; when we receive from God in silent prayer the outpouring of his grace.

However, when our society thinks of joy, far too often it is linked with personal satisfaction or some form of physical pleasure that we seek to maintain or perhaps a transitory giddiness. Here the Holy Father notes that because of the pervasive consumerism and never-ending search for entertainment, our senses are dulled. In that dulled state, God's voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades (no. 2).

The quiet joy about which the Holy Father speaks comes directly from contemplative time spent with Jesus in prayer. But after a long, cold, and bitter winter, some might find joy impossible or rarely attainable. How can I live a sustained life of joy? What keeps me from entering more deeply into the encounter with Jesus, who is the true giver of joy? What do I withhold?

As you read this edition of the Mosaic, hopefully you will be moved to encounter the Lord in quiet prayer, and there perhaps, as C.S. Lewis would say, be surprised by joy.

Be assured of the continued prayers of the Sacred Heart community as we enter the joy of the Easter season.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Todd J. Lajiness

Rector/President