Recently, as I entered a meeting with a few ladies, one of the women mentioned she had been discussing the virtue of joy with her husband and they had attempted to name all the truly joyful people they knew. Sadly, she explained that they were only able to identify three “Joy Junkies” of hundreds, if not thousands, of people they associate with. Three seemed miniscule to her.
Taken back by her findings, she implored us to try to name people who were permeated by joy. Our group only reported a few. Instantly, I longed to be one of those women sharing the love of Christ in the world through joy that radiates from me like rays of sunshine. I desired to be lumped into the elite “Joy Junkie” class. How could I find and share joy at that inebriating level?
My mindfulness of joy was initiated. I began with the origin. The joy that I am seeking certainly comes from Christ himself. It is planted in each of us, but unleashing it is the obstacle. I began by examining those who seem to have an endless supply of joy. The common denominator, childlike trust. These men and women emanate a trust in a power that is beyond themselves. They embrace every moment as if it could be their last and find peace in every situation they find themselves in, cherishing the small things.
Upon further investigation, I observed, the truest, purest joy seems to be present when someone is sharing one of the gifts Christ has bestowed on them. There are a variety of gifts, just as I referenced in my last post, “Blessed Beyond Measure”. St. Paul elaborates on gifts in Romans and Corinthians. He writes,”There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.” He later goes on to write, “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it. Some people God has designed in the church to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11, 27-28.
The Lord has blessed each of us with a specific blend of gifts perfectly suited for our call. Our gifts are not for our benefit, they are to be shared. The greatest impact occurs when we bless others with our gifts. When we share what stirs joy in us and that which God calls us to share with the world, the world experiences the overwhelming love of Christ and, as a result, joy. The fruits are exponential.
Then, I turned to Scripture to St. Paul, confined in jail, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, he continued to share his joy and love of Christ with all those who were imprisoned with him. He found it as an opportunity to preach. His gift was useful even when incarcerated. Paul did not let his life circumstances slow him down, he was simply challenged to look at things differently and put his gifts to use in a manner other than what he had thought he would be using them. He trusted in the Lord’s providence and guidance. He even took a man under his wing as a son, Onesimus. Through sharing his love and joy, Paul was able to send Onesimus out into the world to serve and bring others to Christ, thus multiplying disciples for Christ through the work of others. Paul’s witness and joy stirred Onesimus to share his gifts.
Joy is a result of serving the Lord in the manner He is calling you. It is serving with your whole heart, truly making God’s work your desire. When you are working for the Kingdom and the Master, a peace and joy naturally emanate from you. We must trust the Lord will take care of all the details and the hiccups, as we follow Him and labor for Him with our whole being. “The joy of the Lord must be your strength.” Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us on Day 276 of The Bible in a Year. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13.
Call To Act: Where is the Lord asking you to work for Him or trust Him? How can you put your gifts to into action in the specific state of life you are in? How must you be creative in this season of life to continue to serve the Lord? Is He calling you down a new pathway to employ your newly discovered or developed gifts? What is one step you can take today to begin to further share your gifts and come one step closer to becoming a Joy Junkie?
“God wants you to be in the world, but so different from the world that you will change it. Get cracking!” – Mother Angelica
Mother Angelica, pray for us that we may be infused with a passion for serving the Lord. Ask the Lord to fill us with a profound joy, so that we may be a light to the world. Beg Him to allow us to persevere in the works that He asks of us and bravely employ the gifts He has bestowed on each of us. Beseech His aid as we attempt to fearlessly serve Him and share the joy and peace of Christ wherever we may go. We ask this through Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Mother Angelica
Mother Angelica was born as Rita Rizzo in 1923 in a ghetto in Canton, Ohio. Her immediate family consisted of four brothers, mentally fragile mother, and an abusive father. She spent the greater part of her childhood living with and working alongside her mother, after her parents separated and then divorced. Her mother joined a Catholic Church when she was young even though she was not Catholic. Rita experienced many hardships. Knowing God’s love for her through a miraculous event at the age of eleven, was the beginning of many healings, visions, and mystical experiences to follow in her lifetime. At the age of twenty, she realized her vocation and became Sister Mary Angelica. Throughout her life, Sister Angelica’s health waivered. She battled many ailments and was graced with an array of healings. Eventually establishing a monastery for our Lord, she became known as Mother Angelica. Always convicted in her service to Our Lord, Mother Angelica pressed on through many obstacles. She is most known for persistence and joy, as well as her hand in creating EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network). She passed from this world in March 2016. Though not sanctified as a Saint yet, Mother Angelica always relied completely on our Lord for His provisions and was careful to carry out the tasks He asked of her. She has completed much work for the Lord, inspiring many to press on despite hardships or obstacles, reaching many lives through her broadcasting on and development of EWTN. Learn more about her here: https://www.ewtn.com/motherangelica/life.asp