Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.”

Our greatest joys and most crushing pains often come from the same source. They might arise from our job, our spouse and/or family, some great interest of our life, something to which we have given much work and dedication.

Children or family members might be the most obvious case. Tracing the relation to a child, there is the initial excitement at the birth, the joy and fascination in the baby, the actual adoration we seem to give him or her. There's pride in the child's achievements and growth. Within all too few years there can be the great pain that results from their independence or, more, their resentment of every bit of care and worry. Or, they don’t want to be seen in public with us.

There are innumerable ways in which our work can be both sorrow and solace. Our absorption in it and the accompanying satisfaction might battle with other important elements in our life, our family, for instance. The fact that we are so good at what we do invites our employer to move us up to another position which will easily cause pain for spouse or children who must leave friends and a sense of stability.

Our dedication to work and sense of ownership of it might offend fellow workers. Even our dedication to a sport or physical activity and our great joy in it might be the source of pain or some impairment. The greatest joys and the greatest pains often come from our greatest loves or passions.

Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”

Reply to Fr. Don at: DTalafous@csbsju.edu

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