St. Mark the Evangelist Parish at 7296 Gale, P.O. Box 131, Goodrich, MI 48438-0131 US - Joy and Spirituality: 4 things to be joyful about in the new millennium

Remember Jan. 1, 2000? Where were you? Praying, partying or worrying about Y2K? The coming of the third millennium was, and is, a great event. There were two things that clouded the beautiful celebration of the millennium and the beginning of the Jubliee Year. The first distraction was the tremendous emphasis on Y2K. We needed to look at our computer systems but it should not have received all the time, revenue and attention it received. The second distraction was the preaching and teaching of some "doomsday" preachers. Their basic theme was that "Jesus is coming now and He is ticked and angry." Some owe an apology for the fear and negative influence they had on such a great event. The Jubliee Year had one clear and beautiful theme: 2,000 years of Jesus Christ as our Savior, Teacher, Healer and Friend. It was a time to celebrate and reflect on God*s presence in our lives and how this should affect our treatment of others. It was a time of joy. I would like to present four reasons why I feel we have to be joyful about this year and always. I further suggest that we spend considerable time in prayer reflecting on these reasons for joy and gratitude. 1. God provides for us in the Book of Revelation, 22:1-2. It tells us that God gives crystal clear water, the tree of life that provides fruit for food and leaves that serve as medicine. Have we always had enough water, food and medicine? Possibly some who lived during the Depression were in want. In general, though, we have been provided for by a caring God. Nations and people who are in want are that way because of the greed and selfishness of others and the terrible corrupt leaders of their countries. These two factors cause the people to suffer * not God. Instead of complaining about the "small stuff," do we look at the broader picture and see how God has always provided for us? Have you always had water, food and medicine? We can be joyful and grateful because of our parents and others that God has used to care and provide for us. Who are these people? 2. Jesus has always been present in us. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus says: " ... And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Has Jesus always been present to us? Great losses and difficulties in life can make us wonder if Jesus has always been with us or present to us. Jesus never promised us a problem-less life * He promised to be with us. If we reflect on the losses like death, loss of friendship, loss of idealism, loss of health or youth, we will find that Jesus has been with us and helped us through the "crosses" of this life. What a reason to have and show joy! The poem Footprints tells us in a graphic way how Jesus carried us during those times of suffering. Jesus* presence in the Eucharist and His word and presence in others, in nature, and in the sacraments has been a great gift to us for over 2,000 years. Alleluia! 3. We know who we are. In John 6:68 we read: " ... Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life." We are Jesus* people. There is nothing worse than being lost or having no purpose in life. This is often the reason for alcohol, drugs, suicide and overemphasis on the material goods of this earth. Long ago, the Baltimore Catechism said the purpose of our life is "to know, love and serve God in this world, and be happy with Him in the next." We are not like a cruise ship that goes in a circle and comes back from where it started, for we have a clear direction back to God. We know where we are going. There are three basic questions all people ask in one way or another in this life: 1) Where did I come from? 2) Where am I going? 3) What am I supposed to do with my life? Because of Jesus Christ, we can answer these questions with conviction. We are not lost. We know who we are * Jesus* people. 4. We have hope. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says: "Come to me, all who find life burdensome, and I will refresh you." There is always hope for change and hope that things can be better. Changes come through nature and the laws of healing, decisions we make to change and the grace and power God gives us to change. Remember a great pain you felt when you*ve been seriously ill, or the tremendously emotional pain when someone died or betrayed you. We did not stay at that level. We had hope and hope did not disappoint us because change brought us peace. If some situations cannot change, God can and does change our hearts so we can change our focus. Therefore, life is worth living. Is this not reason enough for great joy? What changes do we need to make as we close this millennium year? Are we joyful people? Now is a wonderful time to look at the spiritual foundation for Christian joy as listed in the above four reasons. Can we concentrate on them instead of the small, picky things in life? Praise God!

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