Called to Joy

"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). A man should have a goal in life; a man who does not have a goal in life is living in vain. The ultimate purpose of man is to be joyful, and the highest form of joy is seeing God face to face. Seeing the transcendent and divine nature of God will truly satisfy one’s longing. Our Lord Jesus Christ's revelation has given us hope in knowing the source of our joy, who dwelt among us.

The presence of God gives us joy. Presence connotes assurance. It is exemplified in the person of Jesus, who gives us joy that is enduring. There is nothing more personal and intimate than receiving the real presence of our Lord in the holy Eucharist. This union and intimacy give each person something to cling to. The love of God gives us joy. The desire of God for you and me gives us inspiration to hold on. As St. John tells us, "perfect love casts out fear." It diminishes the worries and fear of life because you know that there is a God whose love is bigger than your tribulations. The love of God changes the meaning of suffering and conquers all distress. The will of God gives us joy. The plan of God for us is the best itinerary of your life. God's primary desire for you and me is to be in union with Him, who created you from the beginning. Not because you are required to be with God, but because God wishes to share the loving exchanges that the Trinity enjoys.

The presence, love, and will of God will give us joy that is beyond all other temporal joys that we encounter in this life. Here on earth, this is not fully revealed, but we will fully realize in the next life this joy that God wants us to experience, for we are called to joy.