One of the most beautiful lines in scripture is from Isaiah: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” It is repeated constantly throughout scripture. We have another beautiful line in John’s gospel which echoes this one, and it is shared during these weeks of Easter: “I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete.”

To be complete is something we all want because in our world there is a lot of unhappiness. Many feel empty, detached, bored, numb, lonely and feel that something is missing.  Our world tries to make us complete with many things that have no depth. Our consumer world tells us to buy this and buy that and you will be happy. But it’s only short term because it has no depth. Our world wants everything in an instant. There is no time for the important moments that need time, like quietness, being still, being grateful or our own prayer moments.

Jesus reminds us beautifully that it is God who makes our lives complete. And this brings joy, feeling content and feeling connected to something of great value. In the world we live in today we need this connection. Some connect by going to Mass, some connect by going to visit their local church, some connect through their own quiet reflections or prayer time, some connect through the beauty of nature or working in the garden. But connecting to God in whatever way works for us, always brings many blessings. To feel connected brings inner joy. How will you connect in a deeper way this week?

(Thought for the week is updated each Monday)