C.S. Lewis titles one of his most famous books “Surprised by Joy.” I’ve always found this title so meaningful because it captures so much of our faith in just three words. The title not only tells what men find when they find Christ – joy; I believe it also provides a reminder. A common caricature of a Catholic is one who is sad and somber, and we often know depictions of the saints as stone-faced and serious. No wonder those observing and entering our faith are “surprised” to find that our faith is deeply joyful. Joy is the greatest promise of our faith. As always, we welcome and encourage feedback and invite you to like, comment and share!
The unique experience of the Catholic faith that cannot be rivaled by any other sect of Christianity or other religion is the true encounter of divine love in the form of joy. The Asian religions promise a path to peace, Christian sects promise unity, atheism promises certainty, Islam promises carnal pleasure. No other faith provides the opportunity for real joy. Joy is not simply the highest form of enjoyment, delight, happiness etc.; joy is a reality, an effect of the highest virtue charitas – charity, love.
Why does the opportunity for joy stand above all other religious promises? Because although we begin to participate in joy in our earthly life we are not yet able to share in complete joy. Full attainment of joy is found when we are united with Christ in heaven. Yet every time an act of charity is given or received, we experience a little slice, a little taste of the joy we will fully experience in heaven. Joy, experienced from charity is an opportunity to participate in the eternal that God has opened to us mortal beings. Catholicism alone provides an experience of the eternal, and an opportunity to share in eternal life.
So, what is this all to say? Joy can be and should be our greatest form of evangelization. Yes, we could (and should) try to use scripture like other Christian sects, out-reason the atheists, show the peace found in the Holy Spirit, and be as passionate and strict as Muslims, but there can be no match for the effect that joy has on the hearts of others. Peace does not belong to the Asian religions to give, certainty is not the atheist’s to provide, unity is opposed by the sectarian nature of Protestantism, and true victory can never be obtained through Islam. What they all strive to provide are just aspects of the joy found in the living God. In joy, others experience a glimpse into the mystical reality of our faith – we are not made for this earth but for the eternal. Joy is an invitation from God to join him in full communion in heaven.
To conclude, a few weeks ago I participated in a mission trip to a small region in Honduras, a few hours outside the city of Comayagua. The people there do not have the opportunity for formation; nor can most read so they only know the scriptures from the celebration of the Mass which they only have once a month. On top of this, they live in impoverished conditions, neglected by the world. But what did they have that was so incredibly powerful? They had joy. A joy found and heightened in their suffering and experienced in their generosity, their charity. I came there as an evangelizer and left feeling that it was I who had been evangelized. Are we, with our formation, with our access to sacraments, with our material riches, able to share with others that which is most basic, most fundamental – simple, real joy?
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12: 1-2