My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory! — Psalm 71 (see 8)

Mass Readings: Judges 13:2-7,24-25a/Luke 1:5-25 

Open to Joy 

C.S. Lewis titled his autobiography Surprised by Joy. He tells the story of his conversion to Christianity as an invitation to joy — a joy perceived only in fleeting glimpses, often refused or overlooked, but finally accepted. Joy was not something he could pin down. It came always as a surprise, pointing the way to God. Joy also takes us by surprise — in the glow of a sunset, the smile of a child, or the word of a friend. We must be ready for it or we miss it. 

That’s what happens to Zechariah in today’s Gospel. He can’t fit the joyous news of the angel into his narrow vision of the world. Only later will his heart be opened to joy and his lips opened as well to sing the praise of God. 

Prayer: Lord, teach me the joy of Your presence.