What does the Covenant mean to you?
Sorry always comes before reconciliation; you cannot have one without the other if we are to accept where we have come from in our combined histories.
Reflection of the Week - 7th May 2024
Posted in Faith
‘And your joy might be complete.’ Who is not looking for complete joy? I know I want it, but do I understand what I am looking for—what is joy exactly?
Father Mike Schmitz popularised the following definition: The abiding and pervasive sense of well-being. Over time, I have come to see the wisdom that joy, this pervasive feeling of well-being, is more of a choice than a feeling that comes upon us. I often confuse joy with the sensation of happiness.
Happiness, related to the word happenstance, implies chance. It is circumstantial and focused on the self. Joy is choosing to respond to external circumstances with inner contentment and satisfaction. GK Chesterton said, ‘Joy is the gigantic secret of the Christian.’ Joy is God-centred. It comes from truly believing and accepting that God knows us, loves us, and accepts us. When I lack joy, it always means that my relationship with God has a weak link that I need to address.
Jn 15:9-17 makes it clear that to remain in God’s love (and joy), we must keep his commandments—to ‘love one another’ as God loves us. When we lose that abiding and pervasive sense of well-being, we can take a few practical steps.
First, we need to refocus on the quality of our prayer life. Jesus wants to be our friend, which requires a relationship with him and prayer. Second, when things are going well, take inventory of our complaints; when things are not going well, take the time to find gratitude in what we have. Third, stop focusing on ourselves. Find ways to ‘lay down’ our lives for a friend by giving of ourselves to others. Finally, we must let our joy radiate for others to see. Do not keep it a secret!
Reference
FaithND - Reflection - May 5, 2024 (edited for UC-enews).
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Reflection of the Week - 21st May 2024
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Resthaven opens new office at Sefton Park
With a presence in the area for 30 years, on Monday 20th May, Resthaven Paradise and Eastern Community Services officially opened a new, larger office at 255 Main North Road, Sefton Park.
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