NBVM Novena Day 3: Joy of the Lord Comes from Keeping His Commandments
“Why do we lose joy as we grow older? asked Fr. Dom prodding the congregation to reflect on the theme centered on the 3rd day of novena- Joy of the Lord.
He related the story of two monks who were journeying together to a faraway monastery. Along the way they met a woman who needed help to cross the river. Seeing the young monk being hesitant, the older monk lifted the woman and carried her across the river. After which, both monks continued on their journey. When almost reaching their destination, the younger monk feeling disturbed questioned the older monk on his actions carrying the woman. His concern was monks were not permitted to touch women. The older monk retorted “I had left her by the riverbanks as soon as we crossed, but why are you still carrying her?”
The moral of the story is that we lose peace and joy because we cling on to hurts and memories that draw us to unhappy moments. We do not let go; instead, we tend to ruminate on past events that saps away our joy and vigour.
In the first reading, Moses reminds the people of Israel to keep the laws of God because that is the source of wisdom and understanding they need to witness to others (Deuteronomy 4:1-8). St. James tells us to accept and submit to God’s word(1: 17-18,21-22,27). Jesus in the Gospel of Mark (7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23) warns us not to put aside the commands of the Lord and cling on to human traditions .
Fr. Dom outlined three suggestions to experience the Joy of the lord:
- Avoid the law of the jungle where it is “every man for himself”. There is no law but every man does what is necessary for himself. Only selfishness and disorder becomes the basis of the society.
- Keep the commandments – love God and love your neighbour as yourself.
- Spread the joy of the Lord – do not complain, let go and be grateful.
The mass was beautifully coordinated by the catechism children. Fr. Dom suggested and hoped that the coordination of mass by the young people will be a monthly activity to nurture them in the service of God and community.
