I love knock-knock jokes. Usually they are corny, but usually put a smile on the faces of those to tell them and those they are told to. “Knock, knock. Who’s there? Anita. Anitia who? A needa something to eata.” Everyone knows at least a few of these jokes. They are fun and you automatically smile. For just an instant you aren’t worried or anxious, but happy.
Recently, I read an article on happiness in which the author emphasized the need for relationships and being part of other people’s lives. How spot on! St. Ignatius questioned why some days went well for him and some days were awful. He noticed that when he was concerned about others, focused on them and serving them, that he was more peaceful, calm and happy. He noticed that when he was focused on himself, his condition, and what would happen to him being self-centered, that he was depressed, and anxious and he just had a bad day.
Other authors have emphasized the need for predictability in our lives. They state that if you really want to drive someone crazy, make their lives unpredictable. Some people like to be surprised on occasion, but we all need predictability. In other words, nothing is so calming as things happening as we expect, and nothing stresses us so badly as constant change.
So, what if we develop wonderful relationships and our lives become very routine and predictable? Is that satisfying and fulfilling? St. Agustine, one of the Doctors of the Church, was wealthy, intelligent, had status, intimate relationships, what many would call the good life. Yet, he was not happy until Jesus came knocking. Let us say that Jesus was always knocking on his door, but until St. Augustine let him, he was miserable. Jesus became the Lord, Savior and Center of his life. Did it do away with his suffering? No, but he now had Jesus. One author put it this way. If Jesus is with me, I can bear all suffering with joy. If Jesus in not with me, all the joys of this world are suffering.
The Beatles, “Someone’s knocking on the door. Somebody’s ringing the bell. Do me a favor. Open the door. Let ‘em in.” Could that someone be Jesus Christ, knocking on your door? If so, let him in. I guarantee you will find more joy, happiness and peace than you have ever experienced. What is not joyful, peaceful, and calm, is not so bad, because you have Jesus.
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
