Where’s the Joy? May 18, 2025

Remember the iconic fast-food ad  Where’s the BEEF?   This week’s question is Where’s the JOY?    I was asked why we seem to concentrate more on suffering than God’s mercy and joy.  In his Apostolic Letter Salvifici Doloris, Pope St. John Paul II writes that suffering seems almost inexpressible … in its “objective reality”, (and) our greatest mystery.”  Thus it is an ever-present part of life that requires an answer. 

Christians have that answer.  We have the BEEF!  It is the resurrection of Jesus.  This is the season of Great Joy.  Easter is a time to remind ourselves of the “hope we have in Christ.” (1 Peter 3:15) Pope Francis once asked, “why does it seem like so many Christians are like Lent without Easter.”   Suffering without Joy!    Where’s the Joy?  Pope Francis reminds us in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelium Gaudium:

“The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew. God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy. Christ, who told us to forgive one another “seventy times seven” (Mt 18:22) has given us his example: he has forgiven us seventy times seven.”

As you worship at Mass, you gaze upon the Crucified Christ, who suffered for our sake. This image conveys  his all-encompassing, perfect love for each of us.  As you “go forth to spread the Gospel,” you gaze upon the statue of the Risen Christ “whose mercy endures forever!” (Ps 136)    Together, his death and resurrection promises that we can live a life full of salvation.