James 1: 2-4: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 

 

While the feeling of happiness is fleeting and circumstantial, joy is more of a disposition and therefore, more stable, regardless of circumstances. For Christians, we embody joy because we know that God will always provide for us and that heaven awaits us at the end of this earthly life. Through prayer, the sacraments, acts of kindness, and serving others, we draw closer to Christ, who is the source of everlasting happiness. Even in trials, we are called to rejoice, knowing that God’s grace brings hope, purpose, and eternal joy.

 

Those who seek joy first will likely never find it. Those who seek to serve God, the neighbor, and the common good, will know surprising moments of unspeakable joy. St. Carlo Acutis reminds us, “sadness is simply a look of self-pity directed at yourself and happiness is to turn our gaze toward God.” So in this era of distraction and negativity, let us turn our gaze back toward God and count it all joy.