Joy to the World

The reflection for Gaudete Sunday: A Sunday specifically during this Advent season that we are called to great rejoicing, for the Lord’s coming is very near and by His coming, a new dawn of better and happy life of faith is ushered in for us. A dawn of a redemptive experience for those who have been battered negatively by the challenging and heart -wrecking situations they are exposed to, situations like, conditions of helplessness, hopelessness, servitude or finding oneself under the bondage of sickness, sin and death. The invitation to rejoicing is not just to give a false hope that makes people forget their bitter or painful experiences. It is not just a forced emotion imposed as an opium to make them live in the world of illusions while their problems or challenges are still very real and unattended to. It is a call to true joy and happiness flowing from the truth that the expected guest is a true God who is ever capable of bringing true restoration and redemption, no matter how things have gone bad. He is not just coming into our persona and collective experience to leave us stranded or helpless the more, but His presence is reassuring of a new leap in life, despite being down or incapacitated for long. His presence is reinvigorating and truly transforming giving us that inner strength and vital energy that leads us forward on the path of hope. Everyone of us at one time or the other will always feel the vicissitudes of life which may come from many factors: perceived failures in certain areas of life, non-responsive medical problem, unabated health challenge, the unexpected death of beloved ones, lack of basic resources for sustainable living, the challenge of old age and many crises associated with it, the painful reality of boredom and loneliness, lack of satisfaction in workplace and other related problems, disappointment from unexpected quarters, sense of emptiness and the reality of fear and anxieties. Yes, these problems are real and may seem not abated as much as one keep seeking a probable solution. Under this condition, one is then called to rejoicing, over what? These are the kind of situations we are exposed to and the clarion call to rejoicing may seem very odd and wield. The reality of God’s presence in our lives is not just to automatically erase human struggles and challenges, whether on a collective or personal level. Humans as much as we have not finished our earthly race, transcending to the heavenly realm, will continue to battle with complex and challenging situations and in the reality of these struggles and unexpected turn of events, God comes into our journey to help us face the difficult experiences with the leap of faith. In our journey with God we must know that some of the problems will be resolved by His power, leading us through the path of restoration while some challenges will have to be part of our human journey to salvation but His presence gives us strength to bear them, channeling them to the pathway for our salvation, without be denied of the inner strength and solace that is needed. Openness to God even in the face of very difficult situations will always lead to inner joy and the call to rejoicing will still be very fitting and appropriate. No human problem despite its complexity can take away the redemptive and restorative mission of Christ in our personal and collective experiences. God is in human experience to handle our problems and difficulties and that is the hallmark of His incarnation—When John the Baptist wanted to know who Jesus was and he sent his disciples to ask Jesus whether he is the messiah or not, the response of Jesus really showcased His mission of restoration: Go back and tell John what you hear and see: the blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor; and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me. Cf. Matt11:2ff His presence in the world is to address human problems and challenges and to bring people to wholeness despite their depressing conditions, especially as He offers us true hope that He is leading us to a better experience if we can just trust Him and we make ourselves available for His protecting help through prayers. Those who are steadfast in their sense of surrender to God in prayers will feel the joy of God’s comforting presence even in their perils and pains. The reality of true joy still abounds in their lives despite what they go through. Our openness to God even if the perceived problems we face are still very there, will reawaken in us the sense that we are greatly supported by a higher force in the journey of life. It will lead to that experience that one is not alone in the struggles. It will lead to real solace and inner satisfaction. One can not buy this in the store; it can only come from our relationship with God. Practical steps to concrete joy. Practice Gratitude- always be grateful. See and count your blessings. Express gratitude to God and those whom God has using to support you in many ways. Love more- see people from their positive dimensions and love them more. Keep smiling when you meet people. Smiles will generate more smiles. Have a deep connection with the Eucharist. Make Eucharistic connection, the springboard of your happiness and joy. Really have the Blessed Virgin Mary as your mother. Clear your head or mind through prayers. Hand your problems and fears to God through Prayers. When you do not pray, it becomes obvious and many people can see this in one’s restlessness. Do what makes you happy and joyful. Connect with your joyful hobbies and skills, and joyful lifestyles. Give a place to music, dance, Artistic expressions, Exercise, harmonious relation with nature and human. Remain hardworking, creative and productive for those in that category. Learn to appreciate the value of quality sleep and let us sleep well. Adjust to the rhythm and speed of life. Do not over-speed your life. Take things easy. Learn from Children- just be happy for no reason. Life is too beautiful to just be joyful for a short time. Let go of negativity and let God lead you to greater heights in His way and pattern. Joy to the world, The Lord has come, let earth receive her king, let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.