Joy
Dear People of St. Peter’s,
Grace and peace to you on this beautiful, sunlit day. At St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, we are reminded once again of the power of joy in our spiritual journey. As we prepare for Sunday worship, we reflect on Psalm 66, a psalm that calls the whole earth to praise and rejoice in God.
Joy as a Spiritual Practice
C.S. Lewis once wrote, “The most valuable thing the Psalms do is to express that same delight in God which made David dance.” This week’s psalm begins with a universal call to joy—“Be joyful in God, all you lands.” But what happens when we don’t feel joyful?
Even in times of sadness, despair, or struggle, joy remains a gift of faith. It is not dependent on circumstances, but is part of our identity as people created by God. At Saint Peter’s, we affirm that joy is a sacred birthright—a reflection of God’s love for all creation.
Joy as Resistance and Renewal
In a world marked by uncertainty, injustice, and pain, choosing joy is a form of spiritual resistance. It is an act of hope that proclaims: “God made me, and I will not be silenced.” As the psalm reminds us, God holds our souls in life and yearns for the fulfillment of all creation.
Find Joy in Everyday Beauty
If you’re seeking peace this week, take a moment to listen to Charles Villiers Stanford’s “The Blue Bird,” a serene choral piece inspired by a poem by Mary Elizabeth Coleridge.
The lake lay blue below the hill.
O'er it, as I looked, there flew
Across the waters, cold and still,
A bird whose wings were palest blue.
The sky above was blue at last,
The sky beneath me blue in blue.
A moment, ere the bird had passed,
It caught his image as he flew.
Imagine yourself gliding over still waters beneath wings of the palest blue—an image of gentle joy and divine serenity.
Join Us in Worship
Join us this Sunday at St. Peter’s Church as we celebrate God’s grace and welcome our new Associate Rector, Rev. Cory Michael Irwin, who will preach a sermon on joy, creation, and God’s enduring love.
We look forward to worshipping with you in person or online. May this week be filled with moments of joy, reflection, and deep connection with the God who holds us all.
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