Rejoice!
As we celebrate the great feast of Easter and bask in its glory for the 50 days we call the Easter season, it seems appropriate to reflect on joy and how it is experienced by those who believe in the One risen from the dead, Jesus Christ.
I would like to explore two things with you: 1. What is Christian joy? and 2. Why would we celebrate the joy of Easter for 50 days?
Joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit. In Galatians, Paul tells us that it is one of the spiritual gifts, second after love (5:22). It comes as pure gift from God. Happiness is a common but incorrect synonym for joy. Happiness is something that comes and goes; joy penetrates to our very soul; it endures. Happiness is when all is as we wish it; joy can exist in the midst of suffering and setbacks. Joy comes when we are at peace with God, ourselves and one another.
Christian joy is a gift that remains regardless of what else is happening in one's life. It's frequently seen in the lives of the saints, even martyrs, and in the lives of those we love and admire. I will never forget the last time I was in the presence of our beloved Pope John Paul II. It was months before his death and at a time he was experiencing significant physical suffering. Yet, he radiated calmness, serenity and spiritual joy. He taught us that even in the midst of crosses we can have joy. His example was infectious. No doubt, he inspired countless numbers of people and helped them to let go of any sense of defeat or despair.
I believe all Christians possess the gift of joy but not all manifest its fruits. How is it that some people radiate joy in the midst of the sufferings, crosses and the struggles of daily life? I believe it is because they have an intimate relationship with the Lord and trust in the new life He offers them. They have experienced the mercy of God made visible in the One who became sin for them and for all people and who redeemed the world through His blood.
Each year we enter into the great feast of the Paschal Triduum, the Three Days, which culminates with the celebrations of the great Easter Vigil on Saturday night and Mass on Easter Sunday. We expend great effort to make these liturgies the highlight of our year, because in them we celebrate the highlight of our faith: the Passion, death, and Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
So important is this feast and its fruits that the Church in her wisdom provides us with 50 days to celebrate and experience the joy that is ours through Christ's Paschal Mystery. With God's grace, may you experience and celebrate joy this Easter Triduum and Easter season by allowing our Redeemer to embrace you with His never-ending love.
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge