Sunday, January 9, 2011

January 9 – Happy Hunting!

The pinnacle of religious life was, for centuries, considered hidden away in monasticism. We cannot know how joyous were those ancient enclosures, but we can know that our own houses may ring with joy when we ourselves are “enclosed” with Christ Jesus.

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. (1 Chronicles 16:10)

How blessed are these words, that the SEARCH for God produces joy in our hearts! How far removed is this reality from the idea that the most holy among us are the most severe in their faith or the most austere in their relationships.

Since we have heard Jesus say that the way to have joy in full is to “obey (His) commands,” our search for Him will necessarily be a search after His ways. How many times each day might we find ourselves in the necessity of finding Him and His direction in all things. As every mother knows, sometimes a whining child needs attention, sometimes he needs occupation, sometimes correction, sometimes affection and sometimes rest. To do what is appropriate and strengthening at every fork in the road is to “find God,” and when we find God, we find fresh joy for our souls.

2 comments:

  1. You certainly have a way with words. Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  2. . . . and you certainly have been a continual encouragement to me! Thank you, Patty.

    ReplyDelete

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