Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Joy


Joy is not the same as pleasure or happiness. A wicked and evil man may have pleasure, while any ordinary mortal is capable of being happy. Pleasure generally comes from things, and always through the senses; happiness comes from humans through fellowship. Joy comes from loving God and neighbor. Pleasure is quick and violent, like a flash of lightning. Joy is steady and abiding, like a fixed star. Pleasure depends on external circumstances, such as money, food, travel, etc. Joy is independent of them, for it comes from a good conscience and love of God.
--Archbishop Fulton Sheen

2 comments:

  1. Your post reminded me of Juliet's Balcony scene.

    Well, do not swear: although I joy in thee,
    I have no joy of this contract to-night:
    It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden;
    Too like the lightning, which doth cease to be
    Ere one can say 'It lightens.'

    Fulton Sheen is the best. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you very much, KSJ, for your fine comment; it is a joy to dwell upon that scene between Romeo and Juliet. I apologize for the delay in responding and I appreciate it very much that you took the time to write. Thank you for your kindness--and for your patience. May God bless you and Our Lady protect you.

    ReplyDelete