There is hardly anyone who has never felt that life can be hard, rough, or burdensome. But if asked why life feels that way, we might not always be able to give a precise answer. However, as we journey through the lives of certain saints, we begin to understand something: From a worldly point of view, they lacked many things that we consider essential. Yet, their lives were beautifully adorned with the invisible golden threads of supernatural joy. And that’s why, even outwardly, they appeared content and happy.
Take the case of Francis of Assisi. He was a person who lived in harmony with nature. Every sunrise and the chirping of birds were reasons for his joy. The beauty of nature, the innate mercy and tenderness, and the sense of fulfillment found even in deprivation were all richly present in the life of the saint of Assisi. His life proclaims that by living simply, one does not move away from the joys of life, but rather lives more deeply within them.
Another example is ThĂ©rèse of Lisieux. She taught that joy in life doesn’t necessarily arise from big achievements. If we pay attention, we can find happiness even in seemingly trivial things. Joy is not found only in grand accomplishments or major gains; each person should develop the mindset to rejoice even in the smallest of blessings. Never dismiss anything as insignificant – this is the secret of joy according to little ThĂ©rèse.
When it comes to how much pain life can bring upon oneself or others, no saint seems to have borne that burden like Saint Augustine of Hippo. He was tormented by internal conflicts. There was no area where he hadn’t strayed through bodily desires. And yet, he eventually reached the heights of a complete transformation. Augustine found joy in union with God. Many of us forget how to smile or be joyful because of our past. The mistakes that happened in the past continue to accuse us. The rest of our life becomes burdened with self-condemnation. Accept yourself – with all your wounds and weaknesses. Then, we can journey toward the fullness of joy. This is what we learn from the life of Augustine.
St. Ignatius of Loyola teaches that life will become joyful if we can carefully discern the inspirations of the mind and follow them peacefully. Often, we are unable to recognize or accept the movements of the Spirit. We are so busy with other things that we fail to notice what’s happening internally. Occasionally, lend your ear to the invitations of the Spirit – they will reveal the secrets of joy. The inability to rejoice inwardly comes from a lack of inner peace. St. Padre Pio’s life shows us that personal prayer, reflection, and meditation are essential to cultivate inner peace.
By taking these lessons from the lives of the saints, we too can lead peaceful lives – and through that, become people filled with joy.
