Showing Joy
The theme of showing joy begins in the second line of the first reading today. Someone’s lover springs across the mountains and hills. The Sound of Music and the von Trapp family comes to mind, with the aerial view of the characters dancing about, with the beautiful fields and mountain views. The character in the reading does not just leap, but he moves like a gazelle, perhaps like the great Pele moving up field to put a shot on goal, with continuous speed and grace and passion. The joy exhibited by the character in the reading, the von Trapps and Pele is manifested in the proverbial “spring in their step,” and it is easy to notice when people are in love, passionate or just in a great mood.
The Responsorial Psalm moves on to singing as an expression of joy, rather than leaping and moving. It is common practice for people to sing for joy, and it’s great to hear. The von Trapps could also sing for joy. I am hopeful that our music minister will choose Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee by Beethoven this Advent Season. I am not a singer, but I can get into this one. It was also one of my Father’s favorite hymns, may he rest in peace.
And not to be outdone, the last prophet before Jesus’ arrival, John the Baptist, comes to play with this theme of expressing joy in the gospel reading. Mary, with child, travels many days to visit Elizabeth, which was an exceedingly kind gesture. It is not written, but I would speculate that Joseph escorted her on that journey, because he was that kind of guy. The soon to be born John the Baptist leaps in Elizabeth’s womb upon hearing Mary’s voice. He may have uttered words or tried to sing, but that is not accounted for in the Bible.
Smile
The pink candle of Joy was lit last week in the Advent wreath, but please note that it is still lit this week! The examples in the readings today encourage us to show our joy for the Lord. Do we dance and sing for Joy knowing that God loves us, and is in our midst? Can people see us, and know that we are in love with the Lord, or at least excited about our Faith?
As an exercise at Mass this week, try to smile more. We need more of this, even behind a mask. Smiles and enthusiasm for the Lord are contagious. The smile can also be a form of Thanksgiving, as many around the world are persecuted for their faith and cannot even attend Mass or receive communion. We should be joyful and thankful that we can receive communion and countless blessing, big and small.
Have a blessed Christmas and remember to smile.
