"Rejoice
always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the
will of God for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thes 5:16
There are so
many that find this time of year so very difficult because of loss, loneliness,
illness that they can't muster up genuine joy as we rapidly approach Christmas.
On this Sunday of joy, we are called to rejoice because our salvation is at
hand. Even through dark times, we are
called to be joyful. We are called to find beauty amidst the darkness because
we never know when Christ sends a neighbor to bring us his joy.
One of my
seminary classmates used to say that you could find a homily anywhere, so here
goes: Yesterday I was sitting on the
Dolphin's plane ready to take off and not in the best of moods when out of
nowhere former Dolphin great Kim Bokamper handed me his phone. Kim and I have a cordial relationship but
nowhere near as close as I have with other coaches, staff and players so I was
surprised at his insistence that I see a video on his phone. I'm not going to explain the video because it
is linked below and it speaks for itself about finding beauty in the most
improbable of places and to cherish those moments of joy and those who hand
them to you out of nowhere:
Jesus is
indeed the joy of man’s desire. Spread
his joy as we approach Christmas. Don’t
let any darkness consume you. Pray
without ceasing, give thanks, and spread the joy of this homily and this video
to others…
