Joy

Joy is a presence that must be sought.  It does not come naturally.  It has to be entered into, not created. The Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas defines joy as being an act of charity achieved through a lack of desire.  It is not until we put ourselves aside and focus on the needs of others, that we can experience real joy.  Yet, how can charity create joy?  For, when we open ourselves to one another we share in added heartache and sorrow. We are reminded of the extent of our helplessness in fighting the forces of the evil that touches all our lives. Here, we must seek God.  He, the source of all life, came down to bring hope to a world torn apart in sorrow and pain. When we choose to enter into Him, desiring nothing but His charity of love and mercy, seeking to trust beyond our understanding, we find the hope to walk in eternal Joy.  

"The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but justice and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." -  Romans 14:17