Made to be Joyful: Family Reflection Video

Yesterday, in his homily, Father Willy spoke about the joy of the Ascension. When Jesus parted from them and was taken up to heaven, the disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Father Willy gave us four reasons why they were not sad. This confidence gave them the joy, the strength, the courage, and the boldness to proclaim Christ risen.

Spiritual author, John T. Catoir, J.C.D., in his humorous book, Enjoy the Lord: A Guide to Contemplation, says: “We were made for happiness, and we alone among created beings have the capacity for laughter … From our earliest days, we were taught in religion class that our purpose was ultimately to be happy with God in this life and forever in the next. Saint Thomas Aquinas started to set us in the right direction with this piece of wisdom: ‘The end of education is contemplation.’ I like the definition of contemplation that describes it as ‘the enjoyment of God.’ I do not believe the enjoyment of God should be left to monks and nuns in monasteries. We should have some fun too.” 

Jesus wants to introduce us to His joy. “He enjoys the glory He always had with the Father since before the beginning of time; but furthermore, He has the joy now of introducing us to His own joy,” according to Mother Marie Des Douleurs. That is why in today’s gospel reading, He tells His disciples that after the Resurrection, they shall see Him again. And He adds:

“And your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” John 12:22

Friends, today we are invited to pursue this joy. This joy will be attained by winning in our struggle against our sinful tendencies that end up in sadness. Whatever be our trials, we can always find strength, consolation, and joy in the thought that our Lord is introducing us to the joy of infinite happiness with Him. He has given us the presence of the Holy Spirit, the source of our joy. He has given us the confidence that we will see Him again.

I pray that your families will have this confidence, that no one can take this joy from you, and help you pass this confidence on to your children. Amen.

• Father Pinto's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

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