“Joy” is described in the dictionary as a feeling of great pleasure or happiness or something that gives joy. The Bible is full of verses expressing joy.

I have often thought about this word and its spiritual meaning. To find joy in your life, you first must find the Lord and open your heart to all of his goodness, comfort, peace and, above all, his love.

Even when we go through adversity and suffering, we will still experience joy.

In the Letter of James, we read, “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (Jas 1:2-3).

Have you ever experienced being around someone you know who has been through tragedy because of a death of a loved one, or who has an incurable disease or another major setback, yet they still remain joyful? How can this person be joyful and still loving and forgiving? It is simple: They love the Lord, and they believe in his word, when he says to be not afraid and trust in him.

Jesus tell us in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Mt 5:11-12). Their joy is in knowing that their happiness and joy are not of this world, but of the next world to come.

The joy that we will experience in the next world is difficult to describe. As we await this eternal joy in heaven, we must first begin to prepare in the world in which we live.

How can we be joyful in this world?

• Keep God as the main focus. Follow his teachings and obey all of his commandments.
• Love one another. Put others before yourself. 
• Spread the good news. Always be positive, compassionate and peaceful when you are around others.
• Be forgiving and loving at all times.
• Pray often and read holy Scripture. Always attend Mass and receive the sacraments as often as you can.
• Look to our Blessed Mother and the saints and always seek their examples.

Practice being joyful in this world, and when you enter your eternal home you will be and see the fullness of joy.

“So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you” (Jn 16:22).
 

(Mike O’Connell is a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bloomington.) †