Mary’s Example of Joy

We hear the call to rejoice, but it does not seem possible to do so. If we expect only the joy of the moment, the joy rooted in our own success and happiness, or the joy of no difficulties, then it is indeed impossible to rejoice always. If we look for the joy that is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, then it is a gift that is with us always. If we live by the Spirit and in the Spirit, then we receive a confidence and an assurance which can face the limited joys of the moment and the trails and disappointments of daily living in a way that can move us through and beyond them without losing our own spirit. Mary is a model for us here. Her Magnificat gives expression to her faith, her hope, and her commitment to God and God’s saving action. This bursts forth from a deep-seated awareness of God’s many blessings to her and to her people. In response to the question, “What should we do?’, we Christians should look to Mary and follow her example to discover true joy