Thursday, April 30, 2020
The Rev. Anne Williamson
How have you found joy this Easter season?
'If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don't hesitate. Give in to it.'
Mary Oliver
As I reflect on joy this Easter season, I have been thinking about Sunday’s gospel reading, the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus - it takes them awhile to figure out that it is Jesus who has been walking with them, Jesus who is at table with them. When they finally realized that they had encountered the risen Lord, they were filled with joy, And although the hour was late, they dashed back to Jerusalem to share their joy with their friends...
This story reminded of a Mary Oliver poem ‘Don’t Hesitate’
I’m not sure that I agree that not much can be redeemed...that is a topic for another time. But I so agree with the sense that joy and love are connected, just as love and God are connected.
What about feeling joy, finding joy in this moment? Sometimes joy comes unbidden, but other times it is there when I begin paying attention…
As many of you know, I am a fan of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and a student of Ignatian spirituality. A key practice in Ignatian spirituality is the Examen, where each day, often in the evening, one reflects on the day, giving thanks to God for the blessings of the day, acknowledging before God the challenges of the day, and handing anxieties or fears about the day to come over to God. In additional to the daily Examen, there is also what is called a particular Examen.
As I reflect on this question of where joy is found, I am undertaking a particular Examen of noticing joy, feeling joy, looking for joy each day. My sister and I have started a ‘joy journal’ and share what has sparked joy for us when we say night prayer together. So far the list includes the profusion of spring flowers which bring me joy with their rich colors of purple, yellow, pink and orange, the sunshine on Wednesday, the birds singing joyfully outside my window (sometimes very early morning, not so joyful...), and the stories of generosity and kindness in this time of physical distancing, which bring me immense joy.
So where are you noticing joy at the moment? Are you finding joy in a person, a place or a thing? We are putting together a community joy collage for our service this coming Sunday May 3. Email a picture of joy to Ashley at ashley@stjohnsnh.org
I pray that you will notice joy in your life today.
Blessings.