Jubilation has been missing for a long time in the world, which has been suffering from intermittent wars associated with economic difficulties at a time when people live in a state of despair and fail to see a bright or promising future. Jubilation is the outcome of a state of stability associated with political, financial, and social satisfaction as well as meeting all tenets of a decent life. Jubilation is not only missing in turbulent countries, but also missing in the most advanced societies that boast scientific achievements in all walks of life.
There is a unique book which overwhelms people with joy and sends messages that assures the readers that no matter how situations deteriorate in general, jubilation is still available and it is possible to turn the abyss of hopelessness into a new era of a promising future.
Among the earliest references to jubilation is mentioned in (Luke 2: 10-11) It states, “But, the angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Consequently, the jubilation of the Holy Bible is manifested in the birth of Lord Jesus. In other word, Lord Jesus is our joy.
A further reference to jubilation is clearly reveled in (Habakkuk 3: 17-19) when it states: “When the fig tree does not bud, and there are no grapes on the vines; when the olive trees do not produce and the fields yield no crops; when the sheep disappear from the pen and there are no cattle in the stalls—I will rejoice because of the Lord; I will be happy because of the God who delivers me! The Sovereign Lord is my source of strength. He gives me the agility of a deer; He enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain.”
This Biblical verse indicates that no matter what disasters befall a person, “our jubilation in the world is of the Lord” Who delivers the believers from all debacles that stand in the way.
Another reference worthy to note is Job who suffered from innumerable disasters afflicting his family and life . He said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will return. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be blessed.”
The Holy Bible abounds with verses that call for the elimination of fear and replacing that with jubilation among which are:
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41;10),
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9),
and “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
In our modern time, it is important to mention the outstanding and noble visit undertaken by His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, who braved the violence prevailing in Gaza, went to check on the safety of the small flock of the Christian community in Gaza City, and consequently to instill the joy of the Lord in their hearts and minds.
He said that he “entered Gaza during the week of Pentecost, in which we pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.” He added, “He saw hope and optimism in their eyes. They told him, “We will stay here. As long as the Church stands with us, we are not afraid.” These people are not afraid, they are joyful because the Church that conveys the Lord’s message of joy is with them.
At the end of his visit, Cardinal Pizzaballa celebrated the Feast of Pentecost with the parish of Gaza, and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to two parishioners. He also sent a clear message to decision-makers stating: “Enough killing! The war must end, and avenues for various aid must be opened to avoid an imminent humanitarian crisis. I hope this nightmare ends quickly.”
Another incident that reflects “joy of the Lord” is what happened to Jimena, a 16-year-old Spanish World Youth Day (WYD) pilgrim who said she miraculously recovered her sight after receiving the Eucharist at Fátima, Portugal, during a Holy Mass there. She said, “I opened my eyes and I could see perfectly.” For two-and-a-half years, Jimena has suffered a loss of sight due to a myopia problem that left her with a 95 per cent vision loss. On the morning of August 5, when the Holy Father was also praying the Rosary at the Fátima shrine, Jimena received what she herself describes as a “great gift” from the Blessed Mary. This is an outstanding event that reflects the joy of the Lord Who instills in the hearts of those who trusts in Him nonpareil joy that brushes aside all the predicaments that impede happiness.
Many thanks go to the Catholic Church that does its utmost to convey the message of the Lord and help instill the jubilation of the Lord in the hearts of the depressed and the hopeless.
It is important in this regard to remember a relevant verse in the Holy Bible that states, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
