Dear Friends,
Something I have always tried to nurture in my person is a sense of joy. As you know at most masses, I will invite anyone who is present to share a “joy” with me.
Just last weekend at the 4 PM mass when I asked for joys, I did not happen to see a hand go up. After mass the person called me out. It was his 43rd wedding anniversary! He wanted to share his joy. I said why didn’t you call out. I can handle that.
Another time, many years ago, I did not ask for joys for some reason and after a Mass a small boy came up to me, quite disappointed I hadn’t asked for joys and that day was his birthday. He was so disappointed. I was too, looking at his sad face. I said, never again.
Another time someone said I don’t want you calling out for joys. That is not “our experience”. Something as simple as asking anyone do you have a joy to share, is that so hard? Cannot we not pray for this persons joy as we gather together?
Didn’t people call out to Jesus when they wanted to share something in their lives ?
I have been calling out joys and inviting them to be shared since I can remember. Who cannot appreciate a joy or sharing another’s joy that a sister or brother would like to express. As John wrote in Chapter 15 of our sacred scripts, “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”
A friend gifted me with a garden sign that says, “Choose Joy”. I do. Please join me in choosing JOY that our Lord desires for each and every one of us.
It is Father’s Day weekend. I will share a special blessing at this weekend’s masses for all fathers and those who have been like a father for others. God Bless all these individuals who have nurtured our lives and so many others.
Thank you one and all for being present to our faith communities! Please know I sincerely pray for each of you and all your goodness!
Blessings,
Father Rob