God has never seemed so close to me. It’s a blessing and I know it, and I must share it so that you find hope in encountering Jesus for yourself. Now, when I say God “seems” close to me, I am just writing about my perspective. The truth, outside of me, is that God is close to me.
Eucharist
It all starts with the Eucharist. I try to attend Holy Mass daily, and when I do, I get the thrilling opportunity to consume our Savior, Jesus the Christ. All of Him. Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Without the Eucharist, I would not bother showing up to Holy Mass, as the Eucharist is the key; the center; the fullness of the Sacred Mystery. Through Him, we are connected to those celebrating Holy Mass throughout the whole world and to the entire communion of saints (which includes Heaven!).
This makes my heart warm. As I kneel before the Eucharist, I tend to ask our Mother Mary to sweep the house of my heart away from dust and cobwebs, and the dirt I pile in. Then, I receive Jesus and He has at least a somewhat clean house to enter (the Sacrament of Reconciliation also helps). And I savor that Jesus has come to me.
Joy
I have found great joy. First, as I mentioned, with the Eucharist, but also in my daily living. I can truly say I am joyful right now. I can truly say that I have been joyful for several days now. I have also had stressful situations, fears, anger, sadness, and anxieties. And I have found that even if I am irritable at some point in my day or the whole day, I can still be joyful. That is because joy is a fruit and not a feeling. I can go through a whole wave of emotions, and still keep my joy steady. To help vamp up my joy when upset, I praise, glorify, thank, and even sing to God. And He feels all so nearby. Even if I didn’t feel it, I know He is near.
Sometimes, I am afraid for the moment when my joy will be robbed from me and Jesus will seem far off. But just as my spirit moves between consolation and desolation, the Holy Spirit holds me steady in faith. He reminds me of the happiness that hope brings and what joy is. He gives me reason to rejoice, even if I don’t feel like rejoicing.
Peace
I have a crucifix (the San Damiano crucifix) on the wall, right beside my bed. I look at Jesus from my pillow, and I know He gazes back at me. Above the crucifix, I have the Bible verse on the wall, “MY BELOVED BELONGS TO ME AND I TO HIM” (Song of Songs 2:16). It is such a relief and a relaxation to end my day with this. Jesus gives me so much comfort—He spoils me with a lovely bed, my own room, and He gives me peace. It is a peace that the world cannot give. But if I seek it, and ask for it, He gives it to me. Jesus clearly says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
Dear Reader, I cannot see you in person right now, but I must tell you something as if you were: Peace be with you! And with your spirit! May God fill you with His Body and Blood, His joy, and His peace, most especially during this Advent season.
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