I was standing in the kitchen when all of a sudden the house was flooded with the sound of contemporary music, rudely interrupting my peaceful morning. I knew who the culprit was: my five-year-old son, as this was his usual morning routine. I called out to him to “please turn that down” and went back to gazing out the picture window to the birds flitting around the bird-feeder.

Several minutes later, I was snapped out of my trance yet again. This time, with some agitation in my step, I walked toward the family room to turn down the music myself. Just as I was about to enter the room, I stopped dead in my tracks when I noticed my son’s reflection in the TV. Not aware that anyone was watching him, he was dancing with abandon to the music. I watched for several minutes as he let his body freely express what his heart was feeling. My agitation melted away as I saw this little boy express his joy—a joy free of any burden or worry.

God gives us all the gift of true joy. In fact, it is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Sadly, too often, it is buried under layers of pain, worry, and regret. Christ gave us the sacraments, particularly reconciliation, as His way of peeling away these layers and freeing us from our burdens. Frequent the sacraments and your life will once again dance with joy!

So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. – John 16:22

Originally posted 2014-10-20 06:00:34.