Having Joy in Uncertainty

The only things we can be certain about are the things that have
already happened to us in the past, and we live in a perpetual
state of uncertainty about the future. If we’re honest, we can all
probably agree that it’s not really comfortable to be constantly
wondering what your life will look like in a month, in six months,
in a year. We are always worrying about the future—especially when
we sense that some form of suffering looms ahead. Father Mike walks
us through the Five Joyful Mysteries: the Annunciation, the
Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple,
and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple. He reflects on the fact
that each of these joyful mysteries is marked with a profound
uncertainty and suffering. And yet, joy is present. Think about
what what Mary must have felt like when the Angel appeared to her
and told her that the Holy Spirit would come upon her—that she was
going to be the mother of the Messiah. The Angel didn’t reveal
details to her. He didn’t assure her that Joseph wouldn’t divorce
her, or that they would have to travel to Bethlehem but that they
would make it in time for her to deliver. Yet, amidst the
uncertainty of the moment, Mary gave a joyful Fiat. Joy can be
present, because Christ is present. You are able to have a Merry
Christmas today...not because there is no suffering, and no
uncertainty, but because God is with us. Even in our darkness, we
have seen a great light.