Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, December 21, 2025

The time of Advent preparation is over! In a few days we will experience the joy of once again celebrating the birth of our Lord.

Some people have a hard time distinguishing happiness and joy. As a result, they are trapped in their anger, frustration, and disappointment, unable to get beyond their own emotional abyss.  They constantly search for that elusive someone or something to make them “happy.” They seek surface happiness instead of inner joy. Yet, their happiness is elusive precisely because they expect it to be provided to them by others.As they look outward, they fail to realize that joy, which they should be seeking, is an inner feeling. While happiness is a temporary feeling in the mind; joy is a long-term feeling in the soul. Pope Francis said, “joy fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.”Happiness depends on and reacts to circumstances; joy transcends day-to-day earthly challenges and can exist in a person even when there is difficulty or uncertainty.

Happiness is typically derived from immediate and temporary pleasure often as the result of our selfish pursuit of accomplishments. Pursuit of happiness is not always a good thing. Joy, on the other hand, is internal, selfless, sacrificial, a spiritual connection with God, and is purely good. Joy involves transcending ourselves. Joy endures hardship and trials and connects with meaning and purpose.  Joy comes when our hearts are in others and exists whether we are changing diapers, driving to practice, waiting up at night, dancing in the kitchen, playing in the yard or just sitting quietly together watching TV.

There is no “get joy quick” scheme. It requires regular practice and continued effort. The authors of The Book of Joy outline eight pillars of joy: Acceptance, Compassion, Forgiveness, Generosity, Gratitude, Humility, Humor, and Perspective. Each involves putting others first and recognizing that the world is larger than ourselves. It is the present that life gives us as we give away our gifts.

Luke describes the joyful moment when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth who said: “At the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.” As we celebrate Christ’s loving presence in our lives, may we not only smile, but may we “leap for joy” and feel that joy every day of our lives!

Fr. Mike