Joy with Courage and Constancy

 Do you ever get caught up in your own interests and concerns? Here is the next paragraph from the Pope's Apostolic Exhortation to help us reflect on the way we are living and what we are going to change this Advent with the help of the Holy Spirit who gives us both courage and constancy.
I. A joy ever new, a joy which is shared2.
The great danger in today’s world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience. Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades. This is a very real danger for believers too. Many fall prey to it, and end up resentful, angry and listless. That is no way to live a dignified and fulfilled life; it is not God’s will for us, nor is it the life in the Spirit which has its source in the heart of the risen Christ.
Let us be grateful as grateful people are joyful people. Let us pray for a prayerful Advent free of the stress and hurry of so many in our consumer society.