Chasing after joy in life

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

Living in the United States brings us many blessings, but for many people little joy.

That's especially sad for Christians, Fr. Edward Hays says in Chasing Joy (Forest of Peace, Notre Dame, Ind. 2007, 188 pp.) because at the birth of Jesus an angel proclaimed good news and tidings of joy to shepherds (Lk 2:10). Plus, St. Paul urged Christians to "rejoice always" (1 Thes 5:16).

Still, too many Christians find little to be joyful about. That's borne out by people returning from mission trips to impoverished countries who invariably marvel about how happy the people are, despite the hardships of daily life. They then contrast that to what they see in the U.S.

Fr. Hays, in the course of 40 chapters, looks at ways to become joyful. He starts with a fairly modest approach that could be summarized as, "It could be worse." In other words, things might not be great, but we can always give thanks and find joy in the realization that they could be worse.

Fr. Hays, a priest of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kan., draws on various religious traditions to suggest ways to find joy and meaning in life through humor, prayer and friendships.

Here's an example that nicely sums up his book: "More saturated than a sponge soaking with water, you have been absorbed by the Divine Mystery, by absolute bliss, joy and happiness. You live, breathe and work in a creation and world that is God-immersed. To awaken to these two awesome truths is to discover that you live, breathe, and work in joy" (p. 173).

Chasing Joy is a book to be prayerfully read and pondered.