Stillness, Joy & Action
January 29th,2024
Chapter 1: Stillness
In the sacred act of receiving the Eucharist, we are invited to reflect deeply on the stillness of our hearts in the presence of God. Scripture tells us, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). This verse not only calls for a physical stillness but a profound inner calm, acknowledging the sovereignty and presence of the Lord.
Contrary to what some may perceive, stillness in God does not imply inactivity or lack of expression. As we witness in the Gospels, the life of Christ and those touched by His ministry were anything but passive. The joyous celebration of faith is evident, as seen in the ecstatic behavior of those healed, like the man possessed by Legion who proclaimed the good news of his deliverance (Mark 5:1-20), or in the Old Testament, with David dancing before the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:14).
However, this jubilation does not contradict the concept of stillness. Canon Law of the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of a heart turned towards God. As stated in Canon 2065, "The Christian faithful are bound by the obligation and possess the right to acquire knowledge of Christian doctrine appropriate to the condition and competence of each, so that they can live according to this doctrine, let it guide their consciences, and seek to infuse it into their actions."
The stillness we seek is not the absence of movement or emotion but the presence of a heart fully surrendered and anchored in Christ. It's a heart that is "soft, yet so convinced and in surrender to Jesus, that it is still." This heart does not waver in fear, anger, or under the influence of evil. Instead, it rests in the assurance of God's unchanging nature, His peace, and His love.
In my own experience of daily Mass, I've observed the diverse expressions of faith – from reverence and quiet contemplation to expressions of joy and celebration. This diversity reflects the manifold ways God interacts with us, each unique yet all leading to the same truth of His love and salvation.
Therefore, as we partake in the Eucharist, let us embrace the stillness that comes not from inaction but from a deep, unshakeable trust in God. A trust that allows us to be moved by His Spirit, to celebrate His works, and yet remain anchored in His peace – a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Chapter 2: Joy
The joy of the Lord is a profound and transformative gift that resonates through all stages of our Christian journey. As the beloved children's hymn joyfully proclaims, "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart," this simple yet profound truth captures the essence of a life lived in Christ.
The Scripture beautifully articulates this joy in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This command to rejoice is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with Christ. As we grow in faith and maturity, moving beyond our own desires to serving others through the love of Christ, we discover an unending source of joy.
This joy is akin to a wellspring that flows from the Holy Spirit within us, revealing the silver linings in every situation, protecting us from the harm of fear and worry. Jesus spoke of this joy in the Gospel of John, saying, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" (John 15:11). Here, Christ emphasizes that our joy is made complete in Him, reflecting a deep and abiding connection with our Savior.
The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church also speaks to this joy, particularly in its teachings on the fruits of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1832). It describes joy as one of the perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. This joy is a sign of God's Kingdom within us, a kingdom not of this world, but one that transcends our earthly experiences.
Unlike worldly pleasures, the joy that comes from Christ is not diminished when shared; rather, it multiplies and amplifies. In a world that is often scary, intimidating, and disappointing, the joy we have in Jesus stands as a beacon of hope and an invitation to others. It is a joy that is childlike in its purity and trust, yet powerful in its ability to spread God's grace.
As we navigate the challenges of life, let us hold fast to the joy of the Lord, allowing it to radiate through us and touch the lives of those around us. In doing so, we become living testimonies of God's love and the transformative power of His joy.
Chapter 3: Action
Action is the natural outflow of a heart stilled in God's presence and filled with His joy. As followers of Christ, we are called not just to internal contemplation but to external manifestation of our faith through action. Jesus Himself commissions us in the Gospel of Matthew, saying, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This directive is not merely a suggestion but a fundamental aspect of our Christian calling.
In the journey of faith, it is common to experience fear and anxiety, especially in a world that may seem at odds with our beliefs. This fear often stems from a reluctance to fully let go of ourselves and trust in God's plan. However, as we grow closer to Christ and deepen our understanding of His love, we gain the courage to take action and share the Word.
The lives of the saints and martyrs exemplify this courage. They faced persecution and death with a steadfastness rooted in their love for Christ. Their example is a powerful reminder that when we are united with Christ, we can overcome fear and take bold steps in faith. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches in Canon 2044, "The fidelity of the baptized is a primordial condition for the proclamation of the Gospel and for the Church's mission in the world."
In taking action, we become instruments of God's love, spreading joy and alleviating fear in our communities. The early Christians, through their unwavering faith and courageous actions, were instrumental in the rapid spread of Christianity. They were able to see the light in the darkness, and their actions proved that the light has never been overcome (John 1:5).
God's divine providence guides us, and as members of the Body of the Church, we have a collective responsibility to act. This action can take many forms – from sharing the Gospel, serving the needy, standing up for justice, or simply being a source of God's love and compassion in our daily interactions.
Let us, therefore, embrace our call to action with faith and courage, trusting that God is always in control. Through our actions, we participate in the unfolding of His divine plan, bringing His light and love to a world in need.
