WRITTEN BY SR. PAMELA KANJA THIAINE, CCVI

Sometimes we might wonder how we can celebrate when there is so much suffering in the world. The need to be in solidarity with the suffering in our world can make us drown in their sorrows. Can we still be joyful in the midst of everything going on around us?

The pandemic has caused a lot of disruptions in our lives this year. Despite the challenges we might be facing, it is possible to be joyful and celebrate our lives because the core of celebration is God. His goodness and faithfulness to us is without measure and we can rely on his unfailing love and still find joy in the midst of suffering.

We need to celebrate in good and bad times. In our modern day, the holidays and celebrations often leave us more tired and weary because we fail to savor the moment. We spend so much time preparing and entertaining our guests. Celebration is a core aspect of spirituality. The things we value and celebrate reveal so much of who we are and what we believe in. It might seem like an oxymoron to talk about celebration when there is a pandemic rocking our world at the moment.

If we are joyful people, we will share that joy with others because charity begins at home. Celebration is not necessarily an outward expression; importantly it can be internal. Something that we can find in our relationship with God and others. We are aware that every day is a gift from God and God constantly provides us with moments of laughter and sheer happiness even in the difficult times. These times are made tolerable if we develop a spirit of gratitude in our hearts for the great things the Lord has done for us. No matter the circumstances surrounding our lives, the joy in our hearts will hold and keep us moving forward. Therefore, let us celebrate every aspect of our lives and everyone around us. This is the best way to demonstrate that God is in us.

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