Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament
St. Pope Pius X said that Mary’s title Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament is perhaps the most meaningful of all. In this second part of my talk last week, you will see why.
“Mary can guide us toward this most holy sacrament because she herself has a profound relationship with it,” St. Pope John Paul II claimed. He further connected this sacrament to Mary by making the Eucharist the fifth mystery of her Rosary in his new set of Luminous Mysteries.
When Gabriel proposed that Mary be God’s Mother and she said, “Let it be,” instantly Jesus took up residence in her womb. She became a walking tabernacle. One of her titles is Ark of the Covenant. In the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant was the chest where the Israelites believed God was present. They carried it with them. Inside the Ark was the Word, the Ten Commandment tablets. Within Mary was the eternal Word of God, Jesus. The Ark also contained some manna from the Exodus. Within Mary was the Bread of the world. So we call Mary spiritual vessel, house of God, and seat of wisdom because eternal wisdom made her lap his throne.
Because no man was involved in this miraculous conception, there must have been an extraordinary resemblance between mother and son: looks, mannerisms. The flesh and blood of the Son of God was taken from Mary. After his birth, he walked the earth with flesh and blood drawn from her. This also means that at every Eucharist, Mary is present in a sense in the sacred bread and wine. She provided the matter of this sacrament.
Mary was Jesus’s first adorer when she placed him in the manger, a feeding trough, in Bethlehem, a town which means “house of bread.” Mary brought Jesus to people. While pregnant, she brought him to her relative Elizabeth. (Pope Benedict called that “the first Eucharistic procession.”) After Jesus was born, she showed him to the shepherds and kings. Mary brought Jesus to Simeon and Anna in the Temple and offered him to God. (We offer ourselves with Jesus at Mass.) And at the wedding of Cana, Mary brought the waiters to him when the wine ran out. There Jesus changed water into wine at her request.
Today Mary wants to intercede for us too. Saints and popes have taught that all graces come through Mary. Dante’s “Hymn to the Virgin” (Paradiso – Canto XXXIII) celebrates this:
Virgin Mother, daughter of your Son, / humbler and higher than any creature, / fixed term of the Eternal Counsel.
You are she who did so ennoble / our human nature that its Creator / did not disdain to be His creature’s creation.
Within your womb was rekindled the Love / by whose warmth this celestial flower / has blossomed in the eternal peace.
You are for us here the noonday light / of charity, and among mortals below / you are the living fountain of hope.
Lady so powerful and so great, / whoever seeks grace without turning to you / wishes to fly without having wings.
Your compassionate aid is not only given / to those who ask, but oftentimes also / is freely given before being sought.
In you is mercy, in you tender pity, / in you great generosity. In you is joined / all the goodness found in any creature.
Mary’s last recorded words in Scripture are her directions to the waiters at Cana: “Do whatever he tells you.” (Mary’s commandment) Well, at the Last Supper Jesus tells us, “Do this in memory of me.” Whenever we offer the Eucharist, we obey both Jesus and our heavenly Mother. Eve urged Adam to eat of the forbidden fruit which brought death upon us, Mary prompts us to eat the Bread which gives us life.
Mary was probably at the Last Supper. We know that on Calvary, Mary stood at the foot of the cross, united with Jesus in his sacrifice to set us free. She joined her pain to his. She witnessed the piercing of his side when blood and water poured out, the blood that symbolized the Eucharist.
At Mass, when the sacrifice of Jesus is re-presented in an unbloody way, Mary is there too. She stands by us. She has provided our daily bread. Because Mary is essential to the Eucharist, every Mass mentions her.
After Jesus ascended, Mary prayed in the Upper Room with the apostles, the Church. So she was with them on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended. For the second time the Spirit came upon Mary. She was with the Christian community at the first Eucharists. Imagine her joy when she received her son in St. John’s home —the same Jesus she received at the Incarnation. How consoling for her! She believed in the reality of Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament. She had faith.
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament
St. Peter Julian Eymard said, “Let us never forget that an age prospers or dwindles in proportion to its devotion to the Holy Eucharist. This is the measure of its spiritual life and its faith, of its charity and its virtue.” He joined the Society of Mary, the Marist Fathers. In 1851, Mary led him to know that all the mysteries of Jesus had a religious order of men to honor them but the Eucharist. So he founded the Congregation of the Most Blessed Sacrament. This community is present in Ohio at St. Pascal Baylon Church on Wilson Mills.
Speaking to his novices, St. Peter Julian called Mary Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. He encouraged them to pray, “Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” St. Peter Julian described what her statue should look like: Mary holds the infant Jesus who holds a chalice in one hand and a host in the other.
The feast of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament is May 13, the day St. Peter Julian founded his community. This is the day of the first apparition of Fatima. Then too it is the day of the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. He credits Mary for saving his life. The doctors were amazed that the bullet’s path zigzagged, avoiding major organs. The pope had that bullet inserted in the crown of Mary’s statue in Fatima. The Angel of Peace appeared to the Fatima children three times before Mary appeared. The last time he came, a host and chalice were suspended in the sky, and he gave the children Communion.
Whenever Mary appeared on earth, she asked for a church built where the Eucharist could be offered: Fatima, Lourdes, Guadalupe. When she appeared as Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico she wore a black belt, the Aztec sign of pregnancy. She sent St. Juan Diego to ask the bishop to have a church built.
St. Teresa of Calcutta wrote; “When we recite the Rosary in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, we love Jesus with the Heart of Mary. … we offer Jesus the perfect Adoration of Mary. We join our own love for Jesus to Mary’s worship and perfect love. Jesus welcomes our time of adoration as if it were Mary’s own prayer. No matter how weak our faith or how poor our love, Mary receives us into her Heart, and Jesus acknowledges our time of prayer as if it came directly from the Heart of his Mother. The Immaculate Heart of Mary makes up for what is lacking in our hearts.”
Marian Tabernacles
After a miraculous healing, Polish artisan Drapikowski is creating 12 altars for perpetual adoration for peace. They represent the crown of 12 stars around Mary’s head in the book of Revelation. The tabernacles feature Mary embracing the host in her arms as she would Baby Jesus. They are planned to be in troubled spots of the world. The first one appeared in Jerusalem but moved to Bethlehem.
Likewise at St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Chicago, where there is perpetual adoration, the tabernacle is within a statue of Mary. She is called “Our Lady of the Sign—Ark of Mercy.”
Prayer
Virgin Immaculate, perfect lover of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, we ask you to obtain for us the graces we need to become true adorers of our Eucharistic God. Grant us, we beg of you, to know Him better, to love Him more, and to center our lives around the Eucharist, that is, to make our whole life a constant prayer of adoration, thanksgiving, reparation, and petition to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Amen.
Stories
An entertaining legend about St. Hyacinth, a Polish Dominican, combines Mary and the Eucharist. When the Tartars invaded, he went forth to meet them, carrying the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance. As he passed a statue of Mary, she called out, “Take me with you.” Hyacinth replied, “The statue is too heavy.” Mary said, “My Son will make it light.” And so Hyacinth was able to carry it: the monstrance in one arm, the statue in the other. Leading his novices, he walked through the Tartars unharmed. Interestingly, in Poland a mild oath is “Hyacinth pierogis!” Hyacinth is the patron saint of pierogis and of weightlifters.
A similar thing happened to St. Clare. When Saracens were invading Assisi and her convent, she also bravely confronted them with the Blessed Sacrament although she was sick. The invaders turned around and went home.
St. Don Bosco had a vision of a naval battle prophesying conflicts the Church would have with evil forces. In the vision he saw the Church under the image of a ship, tossed about by storms and attacked by enemy ships. Two pillars arose from the sea. Atop one of these columns was the statue of Mary, and inscribed below it were the words, “Help of Christians.” Atop the other column was a large host with the inscription below it, “Salvation of Believers.” The Church, called the bark of Peter, anchored itself between the two pillars and was safe from the attacking ships.
• What ideas were new to you?
• How does your parish honor the Blessed Sacrament?
Here is the song “The Baker Woman,” which celebrates Mary as the one who gives us Jesus, bread for the world.
A Eucharistic Revival in Your Heart
A strong tie exists between Mary and the Blessed Sacrament. In preparing my talk about this to parishioners at St. John of the Cross parish on May 20, I reviewed a lot but I also learned a lot. This week I’ll share some of these thoughts pertaining to the Eucharist. Next week will be about Mary and her connection to the Eucharist.
This talk was timely because we are in the midst of a three-year Eucharistic revival; it’s May, Mary’s month; and the day happened to be the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, that Pope Francis proclaimed in 2018.
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
The Eucharistic pilgrimage began Pentecost weekend. The pilgrims process with the Blessed Sacrament follow one of four routes: north, south, east, and west across the United States. The routes culminate in Indianapolis for the 10th Eucharistic Congress, July 17–21.
Facts about the Eucharist
• When we receive Communion, our sins are forgiven.
• The daily bread we pray for in the Our Father is Communion.
• Partaking in the Eucharist is a matter of life and death. Jesus said, “Unless you eat the flesh of the son of Man and drink his blood you have no life in you.” When some followers walked away at that (Jews drained blood from meat), Jesus didn’t call out, “Come back. I was only speaking figuratively.”
• In a poll 70% of Catholics said they did not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the sacred bread and wine.
• A Protestant said, “If I believed what you believe, I would go down the aisle of church on my knees.
• It’s easy to get used to Communion. We need to reclaim our “Eucharistic amazement.”
• Jesus became a human being in Mary. Then what’s more preposterous, he comes in the form of bread and wine.
• Ordinary food becomes our body, but when we consume the Eucharist the opposite happens: we become more like God, another Christ.
• St. Augustine said of the Eucharist, “Behold what you are, become what you receive.”
• Jesus remains with us in the tabernacle: “a prisoner of love.” The closer we are to the tabernacle, the closer we are to Jesus.
• Being in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament changes us. It’s like how sitting in the sun tans or burns our skin.
• The miracle of the Real Presence allows us to hold God in our hand.
• Jesus asks that we perform a similar miracle and become bread for others. St. Teresa of Kolkata told her Sisters, “Let the people eat you up.”
• A story about St. Clare, St. Francis of Assisi’s friend: When Saracens were invading Assisi and St. Clare’s convent, she also bravely confronted them with the Blessed Sacrament although she was sick. The invaders turned around and went home.
• Carlo Acutis who died in 2006 at the age of 16, built a website about Eucharistic miracles. He documented 150 of them. He is on the way to becoming a canonized saint. His research resulted in a Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition that has appeared in various parishes. Have you seen it? Here is its official website: http://www.carloacutis.com/en/association/mostra-miracoli-eucaristici
A Reflection
In the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus says, “I am with you always. Come to me.
When you are tired and your spirits droop,
come to me, I will renew you.
When you need courage to carry out your tasks,
come to me, I will embolden you.
When you face change, a new situation, growing older,
come to me, I will be with you.
When you are sad,
come to me, I will cheer you up.
When you are distressed by the state of the world,
come to me, I will give you hope.
When you are lonely, come to me,
I will be your unfailing companion.
When you face difficulties, come to me,
I will give you strength.
When you feel remorseful, come to me,
I will forgive you.
When you are in pain, come to me,
I will comfort you.
When you are worried,
come to me, I will remind you of my love for you and your loved ones.
When you are happy or successful,
come to me, I will rejoice with you.”
Here is a favorite Eucharistic hymn sung by a favorite tenor:
• The apostles’ first Holy Communion was at the Last Supper. Do you remember yours?
• What was the most impressive Mass you ever participated in?
Mindful Living for Presence and Purpose
Today I offer a guest blog for the first time: “Mindful Living: Infuse Your Daily Routine with Presence and Purpose.” I’m grateful to its author, Jill Palmer. You might wonder what mindfulness is doing on a Catholic blog. Actually, awareness of the present moment is a fundamental feature of spirituality. It leads to trusting God and being filled with peace. Read on….
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life can lead to profound changes, enhancing your well-being and bringing a deeper sense of fulfillment. This practice, centered on being fully present and engaged in the moment, transforms ordinary activities into opportunities for increased awareness and connection. In this article, courtesy of Catholic Faith Corner, we’ll explore effective ways to integrate mindfulness into your daily life, ensuring each day is imbued with intention and purpose.
Mindfulness Enhances Positivity
Mindfulness can contribute to a more positive outlook on life. By living in the moment and being aware of the present without judgment, mindfulness helps lower stress and fosters a more optimistic attitude. This practice enhances one’s ability to appreciate the small joys of life, leading to a more positive mindset. Practicing mindfulness not only cultivates a deeper relationship with oneself but also improves resilience, enabling individuals to thrive in various aspects of their lives.
Mindful Walking
Turn your daily walks into a mindfulness practice by focusing intently on the sensations you experience. Notice the feel of the ground under your feet, the sounds surrounding you, and the touch of the breeze on your skin. Concentrating on these sensory experiences anchors you in the present, transforming a routine walk into a rich, mindful journey.
Create Inspirational Reminders
Design an inspirational poster to keep your mindfulness practice front and center in your daily life. Utilize online resources to create a design that speaks to you, allowing you to add your own text and photos that align with your mindfulness goals. This custom reminder acts as a source of daily affirmations, encouraging you to maintain your mindfulness practice. Here is a sample:
Mindful Commuting
Use your daily commute as a chance to practice mindfulness. Rather than dwelling on past or future concerns, center your attention on the now. Observe your environment with curiosity, tuning into the present moment’s sights, sounds, and sensations. This change in perspective can turn your commute into a tranquil escape from the day’s busyness.
Try Yoga or Tai Chi
Integrating mindful practices such as yoga and tai chi into your daily routine offers a holistic approach to nurturing your physical and mental health. By engaging in these activities, you not only improve your flexibility but also significantly lower your stress levels and enhance mental clarity. The benefits of adopting yoga and tai chi extend beyond mere physical well-being, contributing to increased productivity and an improved sense of overall health.
Connect with Nature
Take time to connect with nature, absorbing its beauty and serenity. Pay close attention to the intricate details around you, such as the patterns of leaves or the formation of clouds. This focused observation strengthens your present-moment awareness, providing a grounding and peaceful experience.
Engage with Art
Dive into the world of art to foster mindfulness. Fully immerse yourself in the examination of artworks, noticing the play of colors, textures, and the emotions they evoke, whether at home, in a gallery, or online. This deep engagement with art opens up new avenues of thought and inspiration.
Music Appreciation
Immerse yourself in the world of music by mindfully listening to its intricate layers of instruments, rhythms, and melodies. Let each note capture your attention fully, allowing yourself to be swept away by the emotions it evokes. This attentive listening not only enhances your musical appreciation but also connects you deeply to the essence of the music.
Listen to Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” sometimes called the most beautiful piece of music:
Intentional Reading
Embrace a mindful approach to reading, where each word is savored and appreciated for its contribution to the narrative. Take your time to engage with the story on a profound level, allowing it to unfold in its full richness. Through this deliberate reading practice, you cultivate deeper reflection and forge a stronger bond with the material, enriching your overall reading experience.
Living mindfully means discovering significance in everyday moments, turning routine tasks into chances for presence and connection. By weaving mindfulness into the above activities, you unlock the transformative potential of mindfulness. These accessible yet impactful practices profoundly boost your sense of peace, presence, and fulfillment, enhancing every aspect of your daily life.
Remember: “The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it.”
• Which mindfulness practice do you already incorporate in your life? With what results?
• Which mindfulness practice tempts you to begin adopting today?
• Why would mindfulness appeal to you?
Joy, An Inexpensive Gift
We are filled with great joy when we bring someone else a little joy and happiness. Bishop Anthony Pilla once told us Cleveland religious that we ought to practice the diaconate of humor. A deacon is someone who serves. One way we serve others by creating humor. St. Padre Pio said, “Serve the Lord with laughter.” We must teach laughter to a world that has almost forgotten how to laugh.
Joy is contagious. My mother had nine siblings. They had no TV or Internet, but they had a record of people laughing. When they played this record, they would double up with laughter themselves.
Here are other ways to spread joy . . .
When we are in the presence of a happy person, we feel happy. So, let your joy be known.
Speak of your joy often. See that your face reflects joy and peace. Remember St. Teresa of Avila said, “From silly devotions and sour-faced saints, good Lord, deliver us!”
Smile at others. A smile is joy coming out of you. Moreover, St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”
Laugh often. This will cheer up others. Besides, laughing is healthy because it massages the liver and increases endorphins, the feel-good chemical in our brains. Even Scripture notes, “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)
God obviously has a sense of humor. Why else would he create a giraffe, a platypus, and a two-year-old human? Have you created something funny…a piece of art? a humorous short story?
Jesus cracked jokes:
• A camel going through a narrow gate, especially two-humped.
• A man with a log in his eye trying to take a speck out of someone else’s eye.
• Pharisees straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel.
Jesus made farmers laugh when he told a parable about a man throwing seeds around at random on rocks, on path, into thorn bushes. They knew how ridiculous that was. When is the last time you told a joke or made a funny comment?
“Joy, with peace, is the sister of charity.” In other words, it is a way to show love. The little prince in Antoine de Saint Exupery’s The Little Prince leaves his friend the gift of his laughter. To whom can you give that gift today?
Tell funny anecdotes. I asked my Sisters to tell me funny things that happened in the classroom or parish. These were published in my book Why Is Jesus in the Microwave? Why this title? One day a child asked Sister Jane Reisinger, “Why does Father put Jesus in the microwave at Mass?” At his church the tabernacle was a silver rectangle.
The funniest stories may be ones you tell on yourself. Self-deprecating humor is one of the finest, as stand-up comedians know.
Play a joke on someone. God did. He had old Sarah get pregnant. God helped the boy David slay a giant with a slingshot. Jesus had Peter the fisherman find tax money in a fish.
Send humorous greeting cards. When my niece graduated, I gave her a card that read: “You can’t make footprints in the sand of time if you’re sitting on your butt, and who wants to make butt prints in the sand of time?”
St. Augustine observed, “When large numbers of people share their joy in common, the happiness of each is greater because each adds fuel to the other’s flame.”
Likewise, St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “He or she [who has joy] is like sun in a community.” We can elaborate: “in a family, in a neighborhood, in a workplace.”
Here are a few important ways to give joy:
Help someone. I edit and publish books for others. What can you do?
Forgive a person who hurt you. Even if they don’t deserve it or if they don’t apologize.
Do someone a favor. Not grudgingly and not so you can receive a favor in return.
Give a gift. The best ones are surprise gifts. Give the gift of your time.
Tell or show someone that you love them.
Perform a work of mercy, corporal or spiritual. In case you don’t remember what they are:
Here for you to ponder are a few excerpts from the handout I gave to the religious in New Orleans:
Serious Quotations about Joy
One can possess joy in a prison cell as well as in a palace. St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Never let anything so fill you with sorrow as to make you forget the joy of Christ risen. St. Teresa of Calcutta
Joy is based on the spiritual knowledge that, while the world in which we live is shrouded in darkness, God has overcome the world. Henri Nouwen
God didn’t design us to be sad. He created us to have joy. Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Joy cannot be pursued. It comes from within. It is a state of being. It does not depend on circumstances, but triumphs over circumstances. It produces a gentleness of spirit and a magnetic personality. Billy Graham
Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow. Helen Keller
Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. St. Teresa of Calcutta
Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. Joseph Campbell
Think joy, talk joy, practice joy, share joy, saturate your mind with joy and you will have the time of your life today and everyday all your life. Norman Vincent Peale
We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy. Joseph Campbell
Comparison is the thief of joy. Theodore Roosevelt
The root of joy is gratefulness. It is not joy that makes us grateful, it is gratitude that makes us joyful. Brother David Steindl-Rast
Nothing else in all life is such a maker of joy and cheer as the privilege of doing good. J.R. Miller
The soul of the one who serves God always swims in joy, always keeps holiday, and is always in the mood for singing. St. John of the Cross
A Video to Life Your Spirits
In lieu of a record of laughing, for your enjoyment here is a video of babies laughing.
• When was the last time you enjoyed a belly laugh? Laughed until you cried?
• How have you given joy?
• What joke can you tell?
On May 20 at 6:30 p.m. I will be speaking on the close relationship between Blessed Sacrament and Mary at St. John of the Cross church on Richmond Road in Euclid. I’ll also be selling my books there. You are welcome to join us!
Joy, How to Maintain This “Best Makeup”
In preparing my talk to religious in New Orleans, I came across Anne Lamott’s words: “Joy is the best makeup.” This is true because a person who is full of joy has a radiant face. Peace and happiness shine forth from it. Eyes sparkle, cheeks are rosy, lips curve in a pleasant smile.
My talk was geared to consecrated people: sisters, brothers, priests, and a hermit. However, huge portions of it also apply to anyone. So, in this blog, I will share them with you.
What Is Joy?
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, listed in Scripture right after love. Blessed Columba Marmion said, “Joy is the echo of God’s life in us.” Teilhard de Chardin echoed this: “Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” Ayn Rand noted, “Joy is one’s fuel.” It empowers us to keep on keeping on.
Joy and happiness are similar, but joy is bigger and more precious than happiness. It is serenity and deep well-being. It is constant and intense. Happiness is usually triggered by something external and is temporary. The joy Jesus speaks of and brings about is a deep, abiding bliss. It the joy no one or nothing can take from us. Those who have a reservoir of joy can be at peace although our world, country, and church are fractured and violence and injustice abound.
In the Book of Joy, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Dalai Lama converse about joy. Tutu says when we possess joy, we have hardship without becoming hard. We have heartbreak without being broken.
Why We Can Be Joyful
Marcus Aurelius said, “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” We can marvel at the wonders of the universe like a solar eclipse or a perfect red rose. We can delight in friends—those people who know all about us but like us anyway. We can run marathons, read books, listen to Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata,” dance, feast on juicy hamburgers, strawberry sundaes, liver and onions.
Out of a zillion possibilities, God decided to make you. Our creator who said, “Let there be light, etc., at one point in time said, “Let there be Judy…or Margaret or John.”
Look at your palm. You are unique. No one has fingerprints like yours or like the DNA inside your cells. Ever since Adam and Eve, down through centuries thousands of couples, your ancestors, have united in love and passed on their genes. And one year as the beautiful Psalm 139 says, God knit you together in your mother’s womb. (In some of us, he must have dropped a stitch or two!)
St. John Paul II said, “God made us for joy., . . the joy of living reflects the original joy that God felt in creating us.” That may be a new thought for you: that God took pleasure in creating you. He enjoyed giving you the world and the promise of heaven.
And God has not deserted you. Joy is the assurance that God is in control of all the details of your life. Joy is the confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right.
Not only do you have life on earth. You can be glad because Jesus died and rose to save you, and so you can look forward to life in heaven. In 1 Peter 1:8 we read, “You believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
When someone loves us, our hearts burst with joy. Well, God loves you as tenderly as a father loves his children, as a bridegroom loves his bride. He became a human and died for you, even stays with you in the Blessed Sacrament and lets you consume him in the Eucharist.
Ways to Feed Your Joy
True, during our first earthly moments we cry. But then nothing is more delightful than the gurgling laughter of a baby. How do we keep joy and peace constantly flowing like an underground spring within us?
Spend alone time before the Blessed Sacrament. Jesus is God. Face to face with him hidden in the Sacred Host, we are with God, hopefully as we will be in eternity. In Psalm 16:11 we pray, “In your presence there is fullness of joy.”
During the day be alert to God winks, also called lovebursts. You find a parking spot, a book falls open to the information you are seeking. You meet someone “by chance.” When I was looking for the Book of Joy in our library, instead of using the computer I walked the aisles. There the book was…sticking out from the others on a shelf. You might record such happenings and review them occasionally, like reading old love letters.
Have faith in God’s design. Confidence in the goodness of God is the key to happiness. No matter what happens, trust that it is for your good or the good of others.
Choose to be joyful. Joseph Campbell said, “We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.” Actress Rose Byrne suggested, “At least twice a week, focus on seeing yourself in joy. Feel yourself in joy. Imagine joy ahead in your life and see yourself basking in it.” And Norman Vincent Peale said, “Think joy, talk joy, practice joy, share joy, saturate your mind with joy and you will have the time of your life today and every day all your life.”
Don’t compare yourself to others. President Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” So-and-so is more popular. So-and-so is a better singer or writer. So-and-so is more handsome or more attractive. So what? Cherish your own gifts.
Also resist comparing yourself to yourself. Say last year you took first prize at the fair, but this year you had honorable mention. When you were thirty you wore size 8; now you wear size 18. Accept what is and be grateful.
Do something for others. Psychiatrist Dr. Karl Menninger was asked, “What would you advise a person to do if he felt a nervous breakdown coming?” He recommended, “Lock up your house, go across the railway tracks, find someone in need and do something for them.” Self-centered people are unhappy people. J.R. Miller said, “Nothing else in all life is such a maker of joy and cheer as the privilege of doing good.”
Find humor in situations. The first time I read at Mass in our large province chapel, my hearing aid fell out. This could have been embarrassing, but afterwards the priest said, “Good catch,” and Sisters said, “I thought you were swatting a fly.”
Associate with people who lift your spirits. Not the grumpy ones who view the world through black colored glasses…unless you want to do penance.
Look at humorous things. Watch a funny movie or silly sitcom on TV. Read cartoons like these:
Act as if. That is a basic spiritual principle. A modern translation is “Fake it till you make it.” Thich Nhat Hanh observed, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” Act as if you’re on top of the world. Miraculously, suddenly you realize that you are. Try it.
When a bad thing happens, look for the silver lining. When I was the head of the English department at Regina High School and registered to get a Master’s in English at Bowling Green, I was sent to get a Master’s in math at the University of Minnesota. I hadn’t finished taking undergraduate math courses in college. So in the pure number theory class, I was lost. Our grade depended on one test. Out of 90 points, the instructor gave me 5— probably because I wrote my name on the blue booklet. But the positive effect of this humiliating experience was that I could empathize with my students who struggled in school. (I switched to English instead.) Besides, at that university I saw Roger Williams, Mitch Miller, ballets, plays for free and enjoyed as much soft serve ice cream as I wanted in the cafeteria. I also flew in a plane for the first time.
Next week I will share ideas for how to give joy to others.
My presentation ended with this camp song, for which all enthusiastically joined in:
• When are you most joyful?
• Who are joyful people you know?
