26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart
Written by Ashley Appleton
This simple, yet profound statement can feel counterintuitive, right? Rules, regulations, and restrictions – the stuff of discipline. It doesn’t exactly scream “joy.” Yet, the Psalm insists that living a life aligned with God's will is the ultimate source of happiness. And when we think about it deep down, we know that this is true.
It’s easy to see why this idea might seem strange. Our culture often equates freedom with doing whatever we want, whenever we want. We’re told to chase our desires, to indulge our impulses.. And while life’s experiences can certainly bring us joy, that joy usually comes with an expiration date. There's a deeper, more enduring happiness to be found, and all we have to do is listen to our Creator.
While we sometimes can’t see it in the moment, discipline, and in this case, living in a way that God calls us to, provides direction, stability, and a sense of purpose. It helps us navigate the ups and downs of life with confidence and grace.
It might mean saying no to temptations, going against society’s norms, or stepping outside of our comfort zones. It may put us in positions that make us feel like an outcast. It may make us feel lonely at times. But these challenges are not meant to hurt us or to stand in our way. They are opportunities for growth, for deepening our relationship with God, and for discovering a joy that goes beyond simple pleasure.
God's commandments provide the framework for a meaningful and fulfilling life. They give us something to strive for, a higher purpose to live out.
It's true that living a disciplined life requires effort. It takes daily intention, commitment, and sometimes, discomfort. But the rewards are immeasurable. A life lived in harmony with God's will brings inner peace, a clear conscience, and a deep sense of connection to something greater than ourselves.
So, the next time you find yourself resisting what God calls us to do, remember the promise of the Psalm: joy. It might not feel joyful in the moment, but trust that by choosing the path of discipline, you’re actually choosing a path that leads to true fulfillment and joy.
What is a precept of the Lord that you find yourself resisting often? How can you better align your life and your choices to the precepts of the Lord?
Ashley Appleton is an elementary teacher who lives with her husband and their three kids in Wisconsin. A product of Catholic education ending with a degree from St. Norbert College, Ashley and her husband, Paul, love spending time with family & friends, slow nights at home and the simple things like a big bowl of air-popped popcorn! They hope to instill the same values and faith in their family as their parents did in them and spread joy and positivity to all they meet.
Pray with today’s psalm.