My dear brothers & sisters,
Praise God!
I had the opportunity, with joy, to finally meet Penticton’s hockey team – the Vees. This week they came to help us prepare our Christmas Hampers. See page 4 of the bulletin for more.
The primary enemy of our joy is anxiety. Fear and anxiety rob us of our joy. However, if we understand who Christ is, and what he has done for us it deepens and opens up a new dimension of joy in us.
The acronym J-O-Y is used to demonstrate that Jesus is first, then others, and then you – is actually a good way to practice the habit of joy in our lives. If we focus on Jesus – who is perfect, never changing, loving, and so forth – instead of our imperfect selves, or the imperfections of others and the changing circumstances we can maintain an equilibrium of and growth in the genuine joy of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us as Christians. The reason that joy is often so elusive is because we put ourselves first, and Jesus last. Have a blessed & joyful Sunday!
Jesus Loves You! ~ Fr. Neil