Second Sunday in Advent, Dec. 9, 2012
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Many of the Christmas commercials that we see throughout the holiday season depict the “perfect Christmas” scene. It is a snowy day outside. The family is gathered around dressed in their finest clothing. The camera focuses on a dimly lit living room with the only light coming from the glow of the fireplace and a beautiful Christmas tree.
He was “cut to the heart” in discovering Christian captivesSt. Peter Nolasco was shocked and moved in finding Christians held captive and in danger of losing their faith. Read more about his heroic life and what he did about it on the website of the . (Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M. is the vocations director of the Order of Mercy.)
Visit the Mercedarians’
There is a child who is about to get a gift for Christmas. She is five years old; finally at the age when she can enjoy the mystery of the season. All month, she has been hearing stories of Santa Claus who brings gifts for each child in the world. Her mom and dad have explained that St. Nicholas knows her well and will get her just what she wants. The director of this commercial has planned everything to lead up to this little girl opening her first gift. It all comes down to the look on her face. It must be filled with innocence, wonder, and awe. The facial expression must be pure joy!
We are filled with joy
Joy. Each year this is one of those words which is commonly associated with the Christmas season. Billboards and other public displays will often have the word joy prominently displayed within them. One of the most beloved Christmas hymns is “Joy to the World.” In fact, the word joy is found three times in today’s readings: the first, the second, and especially in the Psalm: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” But, what is the meaning of this word? In spiritual literature, joy is used to express the feeling aroused by the expectation or possession of some good.
It is a feeling; one of our emotions that is primarily based in the soul, but also effects the body. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit. It is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The fruits are produced by the Holy Spirit in the person who is living a virtuous life and responding to the grace of God. Our emotions are an important part of being human. They are good in their essence, because God created us with them. Yet, because of Original Sin or the sin of our first parents we all have a tendency toward sin or concupiscence.
Emotions ordered properly
Our emotions such as anger, fear, and physical attraction are all good things but they must be ordered in the proper way by each person. The Christian must use their mind or intellect to seek to do what we know is right. We learn this from the teachings of Christ given to us in the Sacred Scriptures, Tradition, and the Body of Christ or the Church. It is a sad person who is controlled by his or her emotions. They are tossed here and there in slavery to feelings such as anger, fear, and attractions.
Our emotions were given to us by God to lead us to live a good life. We were given the emotion of fear to protect us. Anger, if it is just, can enable us to stand up for what is right with courage. Physical attraction is a special feeling which leads us to desire communion with another person. Ultimately these emotions lead us to God if they are ordered by a well-formed conscience.
The emotions are like a fire, which can give warmth and light or blaze out of control destroying everything in its path. Concupiscence, the tendency to sin, causes our emotions to lead us away from others and what is good. Unchecked anger, fear, and attraction lead us into a sinful life that is very destructive to ourselves and others. This is true slavery!
Freeing us from sin
Thanks be to God that He has sent His Son to free us from sin and merit for us grace to overcome concupiscence. The grace or the very life of God is given to us most powerfully in the Sacraments, especially Confession and the Holy Eucharist. As Christmas draws near, we know that it is possible to regain our innocence. The baby in the manger will teach us truth and enable us to once again use our emotions to grow closer to God and others.
This is why we are filled with Joy! We want to sing loudly “Joy to the World” because our destiny in not earthly trials and struggles, but heavenly glory. Those who are faithful on earth and order their passions will experience pure joy when in the presence of God. All emotions will be fulfilled in Him. For He is Emmanuel; God with us.