Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. (Jn 15:9)

 As a student of theology, I am always reading and grasping to understand more profound theological matters. I get pretty wrapped up in books, encyclicals, and theological conversations, and although this is good, sometimes I forget, as the saying goes, to “stop and smell the roses.” This week someone reminded me in a very similar tone of that saying to make time to breathe. This person who I respect and who keeps close to the faith did not realize his words were exactly what I needed to hear as well as apply. While I sometimes find myself reaching for my phone to read the latest news stories of the day or pursue distractions in things that bear no fruit, I realized that I have been trying to find joy in things that are not always bringing me closer to God. 

“If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy might be in you, and your joy might be complete.”  (Jn 15:10-11)

Complete joy is only found in Christ, and when we allow Him to be the center of our life, we will undoubtedly find our days full. Maybe we need to harken to Mother Teresa, who reminds us that “the one is filled with joy preaches without preaching.” 

I urge you this week, instead of reaching for that captivating news story or getting involved with someone or something that wisps away your joy, to pursue your mind in glorifying God and remain steadfast in His love. 

“I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for joy.” C.S. Lewis