Cheer and Cheerfulness

“Because Christ understood our condition better than we do ourselves, He made a point by clearly stating, “in this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). To use a popular expression He basically said, "stuff happens." In other words, we're going to face and deal with a lot of bad stuff in this world due to its sinful condition. Some we will bring on ourselves, some we won't.” (Sacramental Living)

“As we look around us, it is not difficult to see tribulation in every direction…And yet, in the midst of this tumult, Christ proclaims: “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world…In the midst of these dire circumstances, by responding to Christ’s call, we have made the “good cheer” of Christ manifest to those who might otherwise despair and lose all hope…Trusting your kindness and eagerness to help, we urge you to share this good cheer of Christ’s victory through the love and respect that you show your neighbor.” (SCOBA)

“Genuine, hearty laughter is one of the greatest gifts imparted to us by our Father. It has the amazing power to diminish our pain, lift our souls in joyous good cheer, while providing bright hope for the unknown days ahead.” (W. Phillip Keller)

“Cheerfulness consists in not regarding things as our own, but as entrusted to us by God for the benefit of our fellow servants. It consists in scattering them abroad generously with joy and magnanimity, not reluctantly or under compulsion." (St. Symeon the New Theologian)

"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold it would be a merrier world." (J.R.R. Tolkien)

#SacramentalLiving #SCOBA #WPhillipKeller #StSymeontheNewTheologian #JRRTolkien