Joy, Joy Joy. Tears of Joy

So wrote the great philosopher, Blaise Pascal, in the testimony of his conversion in 1654. Pascal met the person of Jesus and he was never the same. He could only recount the experience as being overwhelmed with "light and fire." So impactful was this encounter, when he died at the young age of 39, a copy of his "Memorial," describing this experience, was found sewn in the lining of his vest.

I am reading Pascal again. The book is called The Mind on Fire, a summary of his Penses. And what a perfect time to read of joy and tears. They are both contained in the mystery of Easter..the tears of Good Friday..the joy of Easter.

This Easter was particularly joyful for me in light of the experience we had just undergone with the cancer surgery of my baby granddaughter, Little Eva. We have had tears and we have had joy. And in the center of this great mystery of suffering and trial, is Jesus.

Chesterton once wrote that to truly "see" something, you have to stare at it for some time until it becomes unfamiliar. How true that is. Catholics who are privileged to receive the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, sometimes approach the altar as if they are consuming a Frito. Nothing special there.
Think about the promise of resurrection, which we celebrated last Sunday. " Ah yes, the tomb was empty and if I accept Christ, I will rise on the last day...Ho Hum!"
Apply the Chestertonian principle. Examine that statement as if you were a pagan and you are hearing the Gospel and the promise for the very first time!! What a difference.

I read somewhere that instead of women wearing a veil when they go to Mass, they should wear CRASH HELMETS!! We are in the presence of so much majesty..so much power..in the presence of the very Godhead..singing Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus with the very angels and saints in heaven. Oh Joy, Joy, Joy...Tears of Joy!!