Rev. Peter M.J. Stravinskas: Cause of Our Joy

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*Image: Heart of Mary by Miguel Ballejo y Mandirano, c. 1750 [Bowers Museum, Sana Ana, California]

By Rev. Peter M.J. Stravinskas, The Catholic Thing, Dec. 12, 2022

Father Peter Stravinskas holds doctorates in school administration and theology. He is the founding editor of The Catholic Response and publisher of Newman House Press. Most recently, he launched a graduate program in Catholic school administration through Pontifex University.

Just beyond the half-way mark during Advent and Lent, the Church encourages us to rejoice. Today is traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin word for “Rejoice,” which opens the Introit or Entrance Antiphon of today’s Mass.

What do we mean by joy?  Some people imagine that a perpetual grimace is a sign of holiness. But peacefulness, calmness, contentment, acceptance of God’s will in one’s life – all make for genuine joy, which isn’t cheap hilarity or superficiality.  Joy arises from the sure conviction that God is in charge, and that nothing will happen this day that He and I – together – will be unable to handle. …

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