Thursday, April 23, 2015

Joy Of Serenity: The joy of serenity is a quiet joy thatlights up t...

Joy Of Serenity: The joy of serenity is a quiet joy thatlights up t...: The joy of serenity is a quiet joy that lights up the soul. It is the tenderness found in love and is infinite goodness. A person with...

The joy of serenity is a quiet joy that lights up the soul. It is the tenderness found in love and is infinite goodness. A person with such joy has an open heart, for he is willing to accept and forgive all. The heart is illuminated and what is born in one's heart is tranquility. Such joy can be found in a believer. Such a Christian is known to have a spiritual heart of kindness and goodness.

An American theologian, ethicist and professor at the Union Theological Seminary - New York Reinhold Niebuhr (1892 – 1971) prayed, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” This popular prayer shows insight into a heart that is supreme that pours out its shortcomings to God to be able to discern was is true, wise and best.

Joyful Experience

Persons of faith light up with joy when they encounter the poor. This is true love that expresses itself in acts of helpfulness. Much fruitful love is manifested from the depths of the heart. It is through   service that an individual can touch this reality. Such is the love of Christ taking root in the lives of the repentant. This is love beyond love. One which cares and has a passion for the underdog. Such a person concentrates on uplifting the ostracized from his plight of degradation. This service is considered one of the highest good that is explained in the Gospel of Life. It is the face of truth expressing itself freely without inhibitions in our society and could be found in hearts dedicated to the benevolence of mankind. Cleansed hearts truly reveal the joy of well-lived lives.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 -1962) the First Lady of the United States (1933 – 1945), a politician and diplomat observed, “People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.” This is true of all Christians with serene hearts that are willing to serve. Their actions build character and impact those they encounter in their lifetime.

The Wine of Joy

Wine is a festive drink. Through it joy is born and there are many associations and symbolism that describe its remarkable presence. It can be best described as the service of love that flows at weddings, pored out during the Eucharistic feast and used for medicinal purposes. With wine there is mystery all by itself. Hearts are known to burn with its essence which generates joy by telling the good news of Christ and His Spirit of Truth. Wine at mass becomes a lightning rod that peps up holiness in a church's gathering. It pierces the fabric of hearts making them one community. Like old wine it is the ideal catalyst in our midst that changes hearts while signifying the heart of humanity.

Pope John XX111 (1881 – 1963) that reigned from October 28, 1958 to his death in 1963 that was canonized on April 27, 2014 summarized the effect of wine on men best, “Men are like wine – some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.”

Joy of Peace

The 36th President of the United States Lyndon B. Johnson (1908 – 1973) described “Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and it it must be taken one step at a time.”

O light Eternal, the Maker of peace, let us all shine our lights to all mankind. Like with President Johnson our lights will be steadfast, never letting our batteries run low for the distance is great. This is the expression of genuine love and concern for men – rich, poor and indifferent alike, especially those that are our enemies. We can capture such serenity through the dialogue of love, care and steadfastness. Such is a boundless love that transcends all things and expresses itself in the goodness of creation. This is why we must not be afraid to practice goodness that some may consider a weakness. Our focus must be on the Good Shepherd that is the purveyor of peace and tranquility. We know that we have achieved our ultimate goal of peace with our neighbor and enemy, when we come away with peace engraved in our hearts and serene minds.