Wednesday Sundaes (11/15/2023)

Yesterday was parish faith formation for all the youth of our parish. The high schoolers had classes from 7:15 to 8:30. And toward the end of the session, we had a small surprise for them before sending them home for Thanksgiving week. We pushed back the curtains, opened the space up for socializing, and then set up an assembly line with bowls of ice cream and a host of toppings. The previously silent teens came alive, talking to one another in line, sharing stories and conversation over their sundaes. I had to smile as I watched. I hoped they not only showed up for the event but benefited from the experience of what unexpected kindness can do to an environment and those in it.

Our faith is not meant to be measured by its austerity but by the joy it invokes. It is not meant to be a march without feelings, filled only with rote words and actions. Our journey is to be one led by the Spirit, in union with our Savior, for the glory of our Almighty Father, marked by our loving words and actions. Our journeys are to be measured by the kindnesses and acts of faithfulness to Christ’s teaching and example that illuminate the world in Christ’s name and bring joy to the ears and hearts of those we encounter. Our lives are meant to be filled with joy because we know there is a LORD who is near and loving.

The early church spread like wildfire because the Spirit was with them. And through the fruits of life in the Spirit, they were recognized as a community of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. “See how they love one another” was the reaction of those who encountered them. Christ’s church is called to be that throughout the ages, not a stiff and dour community but a community marked by joy.

Christ’s whole life as Jesus of Nazareth up until his death upon a cross under the banner INRI (Jesus Christ, King of the Jews) was to fan the flames of love for the Father within us and make us receptive to the salvation he would win for us in his sacrifice. While we would not be who we are without Good Friday, we are Easter People! We are those who joyfully encounter the risen LORD daily, moment to moment, in our lives, in our silences, in our activities, in our communities, in one another and our hearts are filled with joy.

I always say the best sign of understanding of the Mystery of God and the wonders of what the LORD will do to give us life and to bring us to living as the ones we are created to be is joy. For truly, how could we get it and not be joyful, resilient people?

As we continue our journeys of faith, hope and love, let us remember all that has been so that we might be. And with that sense of wonder and gratitude that will not be contained, let us live as the joyful people who know there is a LORD and who knows that we are loved.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.