Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman star in the movie “The Bucket List.” Without spoiling the plot, I’ll simply share that these two men met as patients in a hospital where they faced the grim reality of their mortality. One patient found comfort in his faith. His roommate thought the idea of faith was only an illusion or at best a myth to get people through difficult times. Despite their differences, they agreed to begin a final journey together. While hilariously entertaining, there are moments in this flick that make one think about our limited time on earth and our relationships with one another. Before these condemned men “kick the bucket,” our stars launched on a crazy journey to accomplish a list of things unfinished in life. Using your imagination, you would be right to assume that their list contained all the exotic places that you and I have yet to travel in our lifetime.Overlooking the pyramids, our travelers were admiring the ancient pharoah’s tombs and peering into the endless star filled sky. The man of faith made the comment to his fellow traveler that the ancient Egyptians held the belief that before one could enter into the next kingdom that person had to answer two questions. Our cynical traveler took the bait and reluctantly asked what they were.
1. Have you been joyful in this life?
2. How have you shared your joy with others?
When are you joyful these days? I know behind the lens capturing the light of a stunning image brings me joy. Or, it might be a simple poinsettia bloom nestled with hundreds of other plants or at pre-dawn capturing the subtle light that veils the valley below. Sometimes, it might be arranging a Spring bouquet of flowers to give as a gift to family or friends or brushing Rhythm, a horse blind in one eye that I ride to relax and forget the troubles of the week.
Then there is that second profound question, how have I brought joy to others? How might you answer that before the throne of God? I can look back and think of a little green puppet that was given to me as a gift over 30 years ago. I called this stuffed toy “Spinach.” That was the name on the label and the name hundreds of kids remember to this day. Before Catholic schools were closed, I would go into the classroom and take Spinach with me and teach the stories about Jesus’ love to the children. That was pure joy!
So often in our Catholic teaching we hear the message that speaks of service and sacrifice and mercy that reflects the way of Christ as he walked with his children. We have been told for millennia to imitate that same love for others in caring for the sick, the poor, the imprisoned and the “little ones” which refer to those made to feel unworthy. But I like this Egyptian perspective that joy enters into our life and faith and becomes the guiding star in all our relationships. I believe that God wants us to be a people of joy and to bring that joy to others.
What is your joy in this life? How have you brought your joy to others?
God prays for us as we reflect: “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:11).
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that they may be filled with many moments of joy like hugging their grandkids, seeing beautiful vistas, and sharing moments at table with family and friends. May your grace help us all to bring that same joy to others.
