Rejoicing may not be on the surface of our consciousness. Some days we may have to dig down into ourselves to find it, but the Spirit guides us. It is for the good of ourselves and the world, and it’s needed badly.

For Reflection:

• Have you ever had a time when things were going really well, when it was easy to find joy? As you get in touch with this experience, did you feel like God was near? What was God like?

• Have you ever had a particularly difficult time, a time when it was hard to find any joy? How was God with you?

• As you take some time with this reading from Philippians, what us God saying to you? What do you want to say to God?

By Sr. Alice Gerdeman, CDP

Sr. Alice, a Sister of Divine Providence, has a background in leadership, education, and peace and justice work. This October she was one of the sisters who participated in Nuns on the Bus, NETWORK’s traveling education and advocacy program. She journeyed with sisters and other advocates to call on Catholics and people of goodwill to be multi-issue voters for the common good.