What gives me joy? Winning the office pool or the lottery? A substantial increase in my salary? The birth of my first child or grandchild? A feeling of being loved by my spouse?  The marriage of my daughters? Being elected to the parish council? Being chosen the Teacher of the Year? These joys while real are, unfortunately, temporary. Within a short time the joy dissipates. What gives me lasting joy? Or more accurately, who gives me a joy that no one or nothing can take away or diminish? God!

What has God done that gives me such joy? Everything which is good, every blessing, gift which is worthwhile--all comes from God.  “Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has bestowed on us in Christ every spiritual blessings in the heavens” (Eph 1:3). Joy!  He has created me in his image and likeness. Joy! He has shared his own divine life with me through the unmerited gift of grace, calling me his adopted son or daughter. Joy! He has loved me beyond expectation and unconditionally. Joy! To know that I am so loved . Joy! He has taken upon himself my sins, he gave his life for my life, he died on the cross for my salvation. Joy! He shares his Body and Blood in the sacramental sign of Eucharist. Joy! He forgives my sins, no matter how grievous or how often I have rebelled against him. Joy! He has promised me eternal life in glory with him, if I die in relationship with him. Joy! He has poured his Spirit upon me, anointing me with the power of his gifts. Joy! He has incorporated me into the community of faith, his Church. Joy! “He who has begun the good work in you will carry it through to completion, right up to the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6). Joy! “It is God who, in his good will toward you, begets in you any measure of desire or achievement. (Phil 2:13). Joy! “In him who is the source of my strength I have strength for everything” (Phil 4:13). Joy! (to be continued)