The Gospel tells us Jesus was led into the desert to be tempted by the devil. There he fasted for forty days. That was the first Lent. That’s where Catholics get the forty day period we observe each year. Well guess what? It’s kinda been Lent since last March.

That’s right. If Lent is to be a time of “going without” for the sake of getting in touch with God, these last 11 months have already been a very profound season of penance. So now we add one more reason to due penance? Oh goodie.

These past months have been difficult for all of us. Perhaps for the first time you have experienced real suffering. What does our faith teach us?

Years ago, St. Pope John Paul II was visiting the critical care unit in a hospital in Rome. He spoke to seriously ill patients, encouraging them and challenging them to see the hand of God in their suffering. “Don’t waste this time of suffering”, he said.

Don’t waste our suffering? What could this possibly mean?

It really is a pivotal decision we make about life. Is my suffering a sign of an absurd and cruel world? Something to be avoided at all costs? Something that makes my safety most important? OR, is my suffering a part of a life lived in union with Christ? A burden to be carried in love?

Jesus told us suffering would be something that happens to all of us. “If you would be my disciple, you must take up your cross and follow me. For in saving your life (hoarding life), you will lose it. In losing your life for my sake, you will find it.” Matt. 16:25

St. Paul tells us that to share in the joy of Christ’s Resurrection we must first share in His sufferings. Good Friday must happen in order to have Easter Sunday.

So back to that hospital room . . . “don’t waste your suffering.” To waste it would be to curse it, to see no hope in it, to grow bitter. To “use” your suffering would be to give it as an offering to the Lord (He first did the same for me).

Parents, you use your suffering as a gift of love for your children. Sleepless nights, endless worry, trips to doctors and counselors, untold money spent, etc. Soldiers, police officers and first responders, you suffer for all of us: on the battlefield, on our streets.

It costs you doesn’t it? But you do it because you love. It is your holy duty which you promised you would do.

This is where suffering is not wasted! It’s redeemed. Jesus Christ is the only one to show us this. Christ on the cross shows us a love (God’s love) never imagined before. And He invites us to give Him our suffering as a sign of our union with Him. It’s only a return on the love He showed us first.

St. Peter was so touched by our “sharing” in the death of our Lord and His Resurrection that he wrote, “Friends, do not be surprised at the painful test you are suffering, as though something unusual were happening to you . . . be glad, you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings, so that your joy may be full when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4: 12, 13.

So what is this joyful thing that happens? The reward of having loved.

So let’s start slow this Lent. You might say goodbye to one small thing that you know needs to go (perhaps just an “attitude” ). Make a conscious offering of it to God.

Lent. Let’s roll!!

Fr. Tim

Romans 7: 14-25 (Read it!)

The older I get the more interested I am in what moves people to want what they want. What is it that resonates in a person that makes them want to spend their time and money on some object or activity?

It starts with our appetites. Certain things are built into us that create a readiness for something that appeals to the senses or the imagination. Most things come to us this way. Smelling bacon in the morning starts a wonderful process that leads to breakfast.

Other things appeal to our spiritual senses. Telling the truth. Being faithful, courageous, or generous. These things have True Value as do. . . people, family, faith, country.

Now there’s a problem. Sometimes the “lower senses” of our physical nature can overpower our higher sensibilities. (try being patient when you haven’t eaten all day!). Other appetites insist we possess certain things: a new cell phone, lap top, puppy, vacation spot, etc. These can have a certain urgency that creates a “want” before we realize it.

So, what’s wrong with wanting something? Nothing at all. It’s how God made us. The problem comes when “wanting” is for something I shouldn’t have. This can cause a real tussle. “But I WAAAANT IT!”, we cried as children (as our parents wisely hid the candy, or ordered the TV turned off). And thus began the life long struggle to achieve the proper balance between need and want.

As a priest I get a bird’s eye view of this struggle when hearing confessions. People come to confess their sins. Most often sin starts by “wanting” something that is contrary to what is right and good.

This wanting is VERY powerful, eventually it can out- weigh the attraction to the higher good. The good loses its appeal. We fall prey to a desire that takes us away from who (in our right mind) we really want to be. I do not do the good that I want to do.

So how can we stop wanting what is bad for us? It comes in finding something I want more. Something in us has to be bigger than the powerful desires for booze, sex, possessions, prestige, popularity, etc.

The problem is at the feeling level. I can know an ideal is good but not FEEL it. What can give us, not just the knowledge about what is right, but the felt “wanting” to do it?

The answer of course is love. Love in the form of LOYALTY. Think for a moment of those people who are privileged to have your love and loyalty . . . your spouse, the children, your best friend. Think how many times you walked away from something you really wanted because of your love for them. In most cases it wasn’t even close! (Her need for braces far outweighed your wanting that vacation trip).

Finally . . . God wants to be in that same privileged place as your daughter or friend. He wants us to walk away from some of our wants because of our love for Him. Jesus did this very thing in the garden. “Father please. Take this a way…but not what I want…help me to want what YOU want.”

It’s a grace from God to want what He wants. Ask for it. His will for us is our peace.

Fr. Tim

Aren’t there times when you just can’t take it anymore?

The name calling, the half-truths, the bullying and humiliating? Makes you want to scream . . . or curse. It doesn’t matter your political or religious views; whatever opinion we hold, it seems we’re headed for an unpleasant confrontation.

Even in the Church we can experience a bitter exchange of ideas and opinion. Take the abortion debate. Someone who might advocate legislation that would limit but not eliminate abortion is “anti-life”. On the other side, those who work for Pro-life legislation are labeled “self righteous”, “anti-feminist”, “women oppressors”.

How unfair these words are. There is no middle ground. One is either a patriot or a traitor. We’ll never come closer to solving these issues as long as we treat each other this way.

Look, we know our faith teaches (and we firmly believe) that human life is sacred from the moment of conception. Abortion is wrong. There is no debating that. How- ever . . . many people (and people of good will) do not have that element of Faith that guides our life. They have come to view abortion as permissible, claiming abortion effects only one human person . . . the mother. The child in the womb has yet to reach personhood so the argument goes.

HOW can we best move people to consider what human life is and how it begins? How can we create a culture that once again sees life in the womb as having a Right to Life?

Two ways, it seems to me – – spiritually and politically. (There are wise heads to guide us politically. The US Bishops Conference is taking a strong stand here in Washing- ton.) The spiritual part is why I’m writing. Words can build up or tear down. We need to be careful.

Have you seen the bumper sticker . . . “My child is an honor student at . .. “? And the rejoinder to it on another bumper? “My child kicked the crap out of your honor student.” I mean what’s bothering this person? Why would you want to be in someone’s face about their child’s grades?

Are you seeing the problem? There are REAL differences of opinion in the public square. Okay . . . so how do we discuss them in a way that can lower the temperature and bring us to a clearer view of the real issues?

Scripture says this rancor and bitterness must not be the way we should deal with others, even those who
one would consider one’s “enemy” get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander,

along with every form of malice. Be kind to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God has forgiven you…. “ Ephesians 4:31

This is not describing some lukewarm way of entering the public debate that fears making waves. No, our participation is to be enthusiastic, joyful and full of conviction. But it is to be matched with an equal desire for fairness and kindness in the debate.

Hope your week holds God’s blessing for you.

Fr. Tim

I was given a bit of unfailing advice some years ago by a holy and beloved priest friend. Like any truly helpful bit of wisdom it’s very simple . . . God’s will is straight ahead.

Let me explain.

There’s something in the way we live our lives that makes us feel like we’re in charge. There’s nothing wrong with living like this. God gave us a “brain”, we are free to choose our actions. Unlike the animals driven by instinct, we humans “decide” how we will live our lives.

However . . . . There’s a problem. When our choices are formed by nothing other than “what I want” we can start to think that our choices have TOTAL freedom in directing our lives. And guess what happens? We get lost. There has to be a guiding point outside ourselves that organizes and focuses our actions.

Think of the ancient sailors out on the ocean. How does a wooden boat get from Spain to the New World when all you can see is water? They had to find a point outside the boat that would tell them where they were . . . the North Star.

So freedom is best exercised when it is done in “partnership” with the One who gave us the gift in the first place . . . God of course. What does this partnership look and feel like?

Surprisingly it’s called THE PRESENT MOMENT. God’s will is in the right here, right now of our life. God’s will is right in front of you, not where you’ll be 6 months from now. And oh, don’t we try to go under or skip over what is staring us right in the face?

We wait till “I’m ready” or “things are just right” or “It goes away.” I’ll do God’s will “when I get ‘over there’”. If something is good, and true, helpful, and prudent . . . why wait?

A good practice to get into is to look at what lies straight ahead. A few examples might help.

Common Sense gives God’s will:

• It’s late at night. You have a busy day tomorrow. God’s will? Go to bed.
• You’ve had two beers at the party. You’re driving. God’s will? No more beer.
• Feel a painful lump? God’s will? See a doctor.
• Big test tomorrow. God’s will? Study!
• Mom’s birthday. God’s will? Call her!
• Feel like running away? God’s will? Face it.

Goodness shows God’s will:

• Thinking of changing something important in your life? Unless it’s an instance of some kind of abuse, God’s will is more often to stay where you are. To persevere in one’s duty. To embrace the daily grind. Persevere in doing good.
• Sometimes God’s will is to change. But change to what? What school? Should I marry? Have a child? Change jobs? Here is where God has given us right reason. Is the choice good in most every way? What would you advise a friend to do with that same decision? What have trusted friends said to you? (God often uses other people to reveal His will.) Choosing Life is always God’s will.

And what are the signs that happen in us when we’ve done God’s will? St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Galatians. “But the Spirit (God’s will for us), produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, humility, and self- control.” Gal. 5:22.

Let’s be ready for God’s will here and now. How? Go straight ahead!

Fr. Tim

Do you remember some of the things you used to do over and over as a kid? Little, personal and sometimes quirky activities that you’d do when things got boring or you started getting nervous?

My sister Maureen would suck her thumb. My buddy Terry used to bite his fingernails. Maybe you had a special blanket you would take everywhere. Later in life my father and I battled cigarettes (I still struggle!). We call repeated actions habits; we do them without thinking. They relieve tension or anxiety and bring a mild pleasure or calming effect.

Some habits are healthy and benefit people whenever they do them. “That’s a good habit to get into,” we say. (Brush your teeth/eat your vegetables.) Other repeated actions can hurt us or others. These are bad habits. Some are bad (e.g. Lying) because the act itself is bad. We call these “sinful habits”. Others are bad because they go too far (“Too much” of anything is a bad habit) or not far enough (sloth, or carelessness) in doing the right thing.

So . . . what’s the point? It’s simple. Get in the habit of doing good things. How? Repetition. Doing something again and again will bring a certain ease of performance. A good thing, once rather hard to perform (choosing not to gossip) can, with repetition, become easier. Parents, I can’t stress this enough. “Repetition” of good actions is essential to learning the happiness of the moral life.

Our bodies themselves bear witness to this. Sit-ups/push- ups (yuk!) become easier with repetition. Fitness experts call this the “training effect” – – – ease in physical performance.

It’s really no different for our spiritual lives. Repetition makes for habit. Habit makes for virtue (an abiding strength). Virtue leads to happiness. Want to be happy? Keep on doing good. Simple, eh?

Let’s take matters of sexuality. I don’t think anyone of us is immune to the “sinful habit” that can develop in our thoughts or actions as we confront images or lustful im- pulses that can happen each day.

Our eyes, by nature, “want to see”. And here’s the prob- lem; some things ought not to be seen. They are not ours to have. Those intimate parts of our bodies belong to a spousal partner. They are the “gift of self” we give to whom we are promised. (This is the real evil of pornography – – it twists the Godly desire for physical love into a “taking” or “using” of another for satisfying lustful, voyeuristic needs).

There are two time honored habits encouraged by spiritual directors to help in the struggle for purity. The first is called “custody of the eyes”. It refers to a mental readiness to turn away from seeing things that lead to lust.

Secondly, there are repeated ways of acting we call “modesty”, (the way we dress, speak, the way we look at one another, become habits leading to the virtue of “chastity” or “purity”. (Keeping in mind of course that our sexuality is a wonderful thing, we must not become “prudes”. We are not afraid of our sexuality).

The point here is to make clear these virtuous states don’t “just happen”. In fact, when left to nature, the opposite happens. Lust grows, not purity. Lies, not truth. Selfish- ness, not generosity. It’s part of our fallen human nature that this tendency exists.

It can only be remedied by “habits of love”, actions of reverence for others and ourselves motivated by the knowledge of who we are . . . God’s beloved children. And this friends is the way to JOY.

Everyone of us, God’s Children – no exceptions. Bless your heart.

Fr. Tim

PS. A great habit? Morning prayer.

will I lose my Faith?

The Catholic bishops of the United States are worried about the long-term effects the Covid Pandemic will have on the Faith of Catholics (especially young people who are still forming their spiritual lives). Average mass attendance at Holy Trinity before the pandemic was @1,300 per weekend.

It’s been almost one year now that the centuries old obligation to attend mass on Sunday has been lifted. For four months (March to June) attendance for church worship was limited to 10 people – – (priest, lector, cantor, organist, Livestream camera person, etc.) Parishioners who had computers have watched Sunday mass at home and, of course, have been unable to receive Holy Communion.

In June regulations were lifted slightly; and with 50% capacity, keeping 6 ft. separation, in-church attendance averages 450 for the three weekend masses. Add another 500 who Livestreamed and a rough average would have about 1,000 people taking an hour to worship the Lord either in person or at home for the weekend. I’m encouraged by your faithfulness to this most important practice of our Catholic Faith.

That said, it’s important we take measures to fortify our Faith in these days when the most sacred act of worship (the Eucharist) is impossible for many to attend and is no longer required of us. Faith needs to be strengthened by living it.

How can I “keep the Faith”? Here are some suggestions.

PRAYER:

This is important. God can use these days of sheltering in place to move us to seek Him in that loving conversation we call prayer. For centuries the Church has recommended two times during the day we ought to give ourselves over to prayer: morning (before noon) and evening (sometime after sunset).

How should I pray? There are many helps to prayer. Daily prayer books (Jesus Calling is a popular one). These prayer books take us day by day through the year with thoughts and prayers suited for everyone.

Reading about HOW to pray, you might try Opening to God by Thomas Greene S.J. – – very helpful. And, of course, reading Holy Scripture is the best. (I’d begin with reading one of the gospels or a New Testament epistle).

No matter what your prayer looks like – – – do it every day. (Something happens to us when we do something every day – – it becomes part of us, it situates us with what’s most important. Ever go two days without a shower? We don’t feel right. So it is with prayer.) Take that brief moment (God’s not timing you!). Tell the Lord you love Him and to ask for His love and help. You’ll discover your own prayer. God will help you. Miss a day? Okay. Start again.

CHARITY:

Having prayed, it’s time to look around your world to see how you might make a difference for the better. Charity starts at home the saying goes. Are the people closest to you, and the relationships you have, do they need repair? How can you humble yourself to make things better? The work environment, can you be a peacemaker? Do you “seek to understand, rather than be understood? To console rather than be consoled”? Is there an opportunity to turn the other cheek? Can you light a light rather than curse the darkness? Love has lots of work to do.

TRUST:

This is the great flower that grows with Faith. God’s got this. God knows the challenges you (we) face in these Covid days. God knows you can’t get to mass like you used to. Trust Him to know how this turns out better than you do. Trust Him to bring goodness out of our darkness in ways we hadn’t imagined .

Why should I trust God? Because He took the human race and our troubles INTO Himself when He became a human being like us. He knows our troubles and He loves you like a shepherd loves his sheep. “Do not be afraid. I have overcome the world.” Jesus says. (John 16:33)

Can’t find it? Don’t feel you can trust God? Okay. Then pray . . . “Lord help me to trust in you. Help me do my part then – – – help me leave the rest to you.”

Amen.

Fr. Tim

PS. No. You will not lose your Faith!

Charles Schultz, the creator of the comic strip “Peanuts”, tapped into a profound human experience when every fall Charlie Brown and Lucy are kicking a football around in the back yard. Lucy loved to pull the football away just as the gullible Charlie swung his foot to send the ball flying. She laughs and Charlie, once again, gets fooled.

“Rats! Never again!” Charlie swears. Sometimes we can all feel like that about life. Think of the times we’ve been “fooled”; promises broken, trusted people (priests!) in jail, “loop-holes” in contracts, hidden fees, out and out lies . . . (we’ll leave Santa out of this – – he’s a special case).

Over time it creates a caution in us; a hesitancy to believe. Somebody’s going to pull the football away and make me look like a fool. Compounding this is the fact that we’ve done this to others. We’ve fooled and been fooled. Can you see how this leads to a certain cynicism about what is true? (I think this is the cause of our mistrust of the news media and what some call “fake news”. “These aren’t facts, it’s their version of the facts.”)

So what is true? What can you bet your life on? Let’s see . . . . . . . . . how about: Republicans? Democrats? The Bills? Good health? Long life? All these things eventually fail. Even our most cherished relationships (spouse, family, best friend) reveal certain weaknesses over time. They’re not all we hoped they would be. Nothing seems to bear the weight of being our ALL our EVERYTHING.

At this point many people “pull up the draw bridge” and proceed to live private lives, keeping the world at bay. We begin to choose “the news” that best suits our long- standing opinions. We say things like, “You can have your truth and I’ll have mine.” What’s REAL no longer unites us, what’s real becomes a matter of opinion. Oh dear.

I’m not pointing fingers here. I share this human impulse of mistrust. It goes back to the Garden of Eden. But we have to ask the question . . . is this the way we were meant to live? Is there a better way? What has the power to finally define how things really are?

Of course you know what our Faith proposes at this point. There is only one answer for what summarizes God’s creation. Jesus Christ, of course.

He is God’s love come to us in human flesh. He is God’s Way, His Truth, His very Life. Jesus shows us the way to live our lives. While not blinking at the lies, half-truths, and deceits of this life, Jesus points to Himself as the giver of a new kind of life “poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit . . . producing a hope that does not disappoint.” Romans 5:5.

And what is this hope that doesn’t fail? A share in the very life of God and a “breaking down the dividing wall of enmity (between us) that he might create one new person in place of the two (you and me!) thus establishing peace and might reconcile both (of us) with God through the cross putting our enmity to death.” Ephesians 2: 14-16.

All very well you say. But how can I trust this Jesus? I’ve never seen him or heard him. How do I know this stuff is true? St. Paul was asked that same question. Here’s his answer: “God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners (and unbelievers) Christ died for us.”

That’s it gang. Christmas is special because the child born is so true to his Father (who is Love) that he will lay down his life in witnessing to Him and revealing in human flesh how God loves. This is our Truth. This is our All. This is what reconciles the human race.

Merry Christmas! . . . for the last time this year.

Fr. Tim

Scripture and song refer to the child Jesus as “the new-born King.” We Americans wrestle with the idea of “royalty” and anything that sets one person above an- other. (We call our national leader “Mr. President” . . . NOT “your Majesty”.)

Our passion to level everybody out, no person better than another, “one person, one vote etc.” is admirable. It’s the hallmark of Democracy. But democracy also misses something. It misses the actual structure of how creation runs. You see the universe comes to exist because God creates it. God is not elected. He’s the supreme authority, “the ruler of heaven and earth”.

Unlike senators, governors, CEO’s, presidents, who are all elected by the people, some authority comes automatically because of who you are. Such a person carries within themselves the power to rule. The best human title for such a position of authority is “King”.

So Jesus is the newborn King. Where does he get this authority? From God his Father. “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” God says to the people gathered at the Jordan.

Once the newborn has grown (in a few church weeks!), Jesus will speak his first sermon, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” So the question is, where? Where do we see it? When it first dawned on the earth it appeared in Bethlehem. Jesus is the beginning of the Kingdom of God. In his mind and heart we have the thoughts and desires of God for humankind. We hear this echoed later in the gospel when Philip the apostle asked Jesus to “show us the Father” in heaven.

“Philip,” Jesus said, “I’ve been with you this long and you do not know the Father? Do you not know that when you see me you see the Father?” Jn. 14:9.

So, the Kingdom of God has already started in the one person of Jesus.

But Jesus, as we know, has ascended into heaven. We can’t see him like Philip could. So, is the Kingdom still here? If so, where?

Jesus told us how to find it. “The Kingdom of God does not come in such a way as to be seen. No one will say here it is! Or there it is!, because the Kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU.” Lk 17:20. It is born in us in baptism; a seed (like the Mustard Seed) which grows of its own ac- cord to enormous size. It brings the beginning of eternal life to those who receive it.

Watch for Jesus’ parables in this context. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like . . . “He has to give us pictures because it’s hard to put the nature of the Kingdom into words. Why? because it is a spiritual reality, one that must be perceived by Faith. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Jn. 20:24.

So, where do I find God’s Kingdom today? Any act that brings God’s goodness to the world has its roots in the Kingdom. “When did we see you hungry and feed You? As often as you did it to the least of my brethren you did it for me” . . . welcome to my Kingdom. So much to say about this Kingdom!

Be kind. Remember, you’re in the Kingdom.

Fr. Tim

I’ve been looking for a way to help people who have some vague notion of “God”. It’s usually a concept of some big, far away “Power” that really has nothing to do with our life. Well, I found it!

It’s very simple, (and many humble people have found it long ago.) It’s called “creatureliness”. It means that you were created. You exist as a creature. And guess what? You had nothing to do with it. You were given your life.

To the question “From Whom do we receive our existence?” Some philosophers point to the blind course of nature, the senselessness of chance or some cosmic trick. Many others say, “Of course, my parents (grandparents, ancestors, etc.) gave me life.”

But all these responses ultimately beg the question, for no creature can make itself exist. Some “ONE”, who preexists all other being, and is itself uncreated, seems to be the answer.

Next we discover that human beings are unlike any other creature in the known universe. We are a different kind of creature.

Think for a moment. All other beings are complete in themselves. They fit into the place that nature accords it. It is exactly as it must be according to its nature and surrounding conditions. It “blends in” and is “absorbed into its surroundings”. That’s what makes a tree growing in a meadow so “natural”.

Human creatures are different. We are not absorbed into our environment. A human being can step out of himself and think about himself – – – “Why did I do that?” “I wonder why I’m feeling so happy/sad/bored etc.”

Finally this creature man (if he’s honest with himself) must ask the question, “Who am I? And, “Where did I come from?” No turtle or tree ever asked that question!

And this brings us back to “The ONE” who has always been there and caused everything else to exist . . . God. You see, God made humans to be like that; a creature that asks, that seeks. He made us PERSONS.

And here’s the mind blowing part – – – God made us with an innate ability to receive His life! To be like God!

How can this be? It was revealed to us when God became a human being. Humanity is now forever part of God. God can never say “I used to be human but that was 2,000 yrs. ago.” No. Humanity is forever part of who God is.

And, who is it that brought this earth shattering and eternal change in God? God Himself. The Second Person of the Blessed Trinity (“Through whom all things were created” Colossians 1:16) willed to receive a created human nature.

Whew!

That’s what happened 2,000 yrs. ago as the sheep and the shepherds looked on.

Soon, He comes at Christmas.

God bless you.

Fr. Tim

So what do we “do” in the final week of Advent?

A few suggestions:

• Be patient in whatever line you find yourself in (Hegedorns, Wegmans, post office.)
• Be kind to whoever is attending your checkout line.
• Drive friendly.
• Ignore incidents of rudeness or frustration . . . we just don’t know what people are going through that causes them to act that way.
• Think of someone who’s having a hard time right now. Say a prayer for them.
• Give some money away.
• Reflect on a particular bad habit of yours. Use it to remind yourself to be patient with others.
• Take a ride in the country.
• Pray for loved ones lost.
• Help a young person believe in themself.
• Trust God to bring goodness out of these difficult times.
• Remember a time you “really got away with something”. Give thanks God let you recover from it.

God loves you. You are His child. A Blessed 4th Sunday of Advent.

Fr. Tim

Webster defines joy as “a very glad feeling.” Theologians, as usual, complicate things by splitting joy in two: sensible joy and intellectual (spiritual) joy.

Sensible joy is easy to describe. Think of finishing your favorite meal done just the way you like it. Or hearing your favorite song by the original band; the smell of lilac on a sunny spring day. Joy may be either the action itself (the tasting, seeing, feeling) or the pleasant state that accompanies the achieving of this good thing (. . . how’s that for over analyzing?!)

Spiritual joy is different. It may have similar feelings attached to it (gladness, cheeriness), but it goes deeper than something pleasing to the senses. It has its origin in an awareness of a “Good” that has been obtained through virtuous action.

For example, a swimmer trains for months for the big meet. They experience joy when they see their efforts have paid off with their best time ever. The joy is in the awareness of a “good accomplished”. . . “Look what you have done! Your hard work has really paid off. You really are a fine swimmer!”.

Or . . . during a difficult friendship. You stuck with someone who was going through a hard time. Everyone was down on this person, but you resisted all urges to run away. You never wavered in your friendship. Suddenly, you both realize that this is what friendship really means. This is a joy!

Spiritual joy usually comes with some effort of the will, some “doing the right thing”. In fact, real joy often comes with suffering. Just ask a mother with her newborn.

So what are your moments of spiritual joy? A laugh out loud about some absurd life experience? A sense of wonder at this world’s beauty? The stunningly beautiful innocence of a child? Joy can make you choke up.

Here’s a few of mine. What are yours? Moments of Joy:

• Running. The physical joy of motion and muscle and youth. To be alive!
• 21 yrs old. Standing on the 17th tee at Durand Eastman, suddenly knowing that Rochester is where I wanted to live my life. (How do you explain these things?!)
• Handel’s Messiah. Pure joy. Also, Samuel Barber’s “Adagio”. I can die in peace.
• A dream I had about God a long time ago. I can still feel what it was like.
• The change of seasons brings joy (and a sweet sadness sometimes which is a weird kind of joy too).
• Memories of friends and their great kindnesses.
• Times of laughter with friends, made more intense by some worry we all endured together.
• Being a priest and seeing God touch people’s lives.
• Watching children be children.
• Knowing (because Christ said so) that it’s all going to turn out all right. Love wins. Darkness and hatred are on the losing team. Let’s spend this life doing the things He asked of us. This purpose in life brings joy.

Of course moments of true joy are simply a foretaste of the vision of the beauty and goodness of God.

“Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it entered the mind what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Cor. 2:9

Two weeks to go ………….. wait ……………. Pray.

Fr. Tim