The best spiritual goal you can give yourself this Advent is to claim the joy that is your Christian inheritance. Jesus lived and died to bring us joy, but we must free ourselves from the sadness, bitterness and discouragement we may have slipped into over the years.
Cultivate a joyful spirit, in just the same way you would train yourself to develop good character. If you want to project a joyful presence, you must will it. You can't be joyful by the sheer power of your will alone, but with the help of God you can turn a dispirited life into a joyful one.
Far too many people are couch potatoes glued to their television sets. The daily news reports can be toxic. Too much exposure to the woes of the world can be damaging to your mental health, as well as your spirit of joy. You may find it helpful this Advent to limit your TV viewing and to seek other ways of controlling your intake of negativity."Dear Lord, open my heart to joy. Help me to focus more on your love and less on my unworthiness."
November 30, 2004
Fr. John Catoir Advent Meditation:
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