Joy to the World
Christmas is near! While we wait for the Lord, we rejoice. In St. Paul's letter to the Philippians, we are reminded to “Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again, rejoice!”
On this Gaudete weekend, we reflect on joy. People often confuse joy with happiness, but they are not interchangeable. Joy is from within, regardless of what is going on around you. It ia a feeling of inner gladness, delight or rejoicing. This inner gladness leads to a cheerful heart and a cheerful heart leads to cheerful behavior. Happiness can be a blurred emotion, dependent on a situation. Joyful people make a commitment to gratitude regardless of the circumstances.
“Joy is not the same as happiness. We can be unhappy about many things, but joy can still be there because it comes from the knowledge of God’s love for us.” - Renowned Priest and Author Henri Nouwen
One way to develop a sense of joy is to practice gratitude. But not just when you are happy. So this week, whenever something does not go the way you had hoped, take a few moments to think of something good in your life and thank God for it. Remember that joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. So if it joy seems distant, spend a few minutes just praying and reflecting on the Holy Spirit.
Here are a few tips to help you cultivate joy, especially in challenging times.
1. Don’t Pretend
True joy can only flourish in a spirit of authenticity. Know who God created you to be and know your mission/purpose. Be yourself and don't get distracted with what you think other's what you to be.
2. Pray
Research consistently shows that prayer improves well-being. The more we pray the more resilient we are and the more peaceful we will be. Cultivating an active prayer life is key to maintaining the attitudes (and grace) that makes joy possible.
5. Be a Blessing
Another big part of joy is feeling that your life is making a difference to others. Ask yourself everyday, “What is one small thing I can do to make someone’s life a little easier or more pleasant?” Being generous to others gives you the hope you need to apply your resources more effectively in your own life.
6. Laugh!
Turning to laughter stops you from dwelling about all the negative stuff in life and enables you to find the little blessings that make life worthwhile.
Join us for Mass this weekend in person
at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
What's your mission to help bring forth the Kingdom of God? Knowing who we are and what God asks of us is an important aspect of our faith. Many ancestors of our faith knew their mission and set an example for us to find our identity and our purpose. Join Tony as he reflects on the scripture readings for the Third Weekend of Advent.
Families
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Newest Member of Our Family of Faith
Recent Loss in Our Parish Family
Parish Lyceum
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
Confirmation Moments of Grace: A Townhall Dialogue
Fr. Tom and Tony discuss the Confirmation Moments of Grace with parishioners Bill & Jenny Hawley, owners of Premier Logistics in Green Bay.
Announcements
Ruby and Res
"There shall come forth a shoot called Ruby
from the stump of Jesse."
-a forgotten passage from the Prophet Isaiah
