An example of joy

In his latest Exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel,” Pope Francis writes about a “practical relativism” in which we act, in our day to day life, like God doesn’t really exist.

He said that this can result in – in a heart that believes all the doctrine and teachings – “a lifestyle which leads to an attachment to financial security or to a desire for power or human glory at all cost.”  Francis calls us to “say no to selfishness and spiritual sloth.”  He talks about the dangers of “acedia,” which is an emptiness or listlessness that results in not really caring about anything.  He warns of a “gray pragmatism,” transforming us into “mummies.” “Disillusioned with reality, with the Church and with themselves, they experience a constant temptation to cling to a faint melancholy, lacking in hope which seizes the heart.”  He asks us to “say no to a sterile pessimism.”  He said, “Our faith is challenged to discern how wine can come from water and how wheat can grow in the midst of weeds.”  He writes about a “defeatism” which can turn us into “disillusioned pessimists, ‘sourpusses.’”  He warns that we can, in discouragement, be tempted to “build without God.”  He urges us to “say yes to a new relationship with Jesus.”

This is what Advent is for.  It’s an opportunity to open our hearts to Jesus’ coming today, in the midst of our darkness.  This is not something abstract or intellectual.  It’s personal.  If I let Him love me, forgive me, tell me I’m precious, that I’m not alone, then I can face any challenge with hope.  This is what real joy is all about.  And, even when our union with Jesus leads us to the Cross, we are with Him on the path to eternal life.

Let us all pray, “Come, Lord Jesus,” with deeper, more personal meaning today, and each day in the days ahead.  And, let us let him come into those places of our lives where he so wants to come with tenderness, comfort, healing and life.

Happy 77th Birthday, Holy Father!