Where is true joy found? Father Jordan contrasts the story of Zacchaeus, who found no satisfaction in wealth until encountering Christ, with Eleazar the scribe, who joyfully endured torture for his devotion to God. This powerful reflection reveals that apart from a relationship with God, nothing truly satisfies. But once we are loved by God and love Him in return, nothing—not even the cruelest suffering—can steal our joy. Discover how this liberating relationship is available to each of us today.
#TrueJoy #RelationshipWithGod #Zacchaeus #Eleazar #CatholicFaith #WordOfHope #FrJordanDeGere #OrdinaryTime #SpiritualGrowth #LastingHappiness #DivineLove #ChristianReflection #GrandRapids #Dominican #GodsLove #Satisfaction
Timestamps:
0:00 Welcome to Word of Hope with Father Jordan deGuire
0:06 Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
0:10 Today's Question: Where Is True Joy Found?
0:24 The Gospel Story: Zacchaeus, the Tax Collector
0:31 Zacchaeus Sought Joy in Wealth & Status, Yet Unsatisfied
0:44 Jesus Calls Zacchaeus: "I Intend to Stay With You Today"
1:02 Zacchaeus Rejoices: Known by Christ, Life Transformed
1:13 Willing to Let Go of All He Thought Brought Happiness
1:23 The Old Testament Story: Eleazar, the Scribe
1:31 Tempted to Break the Law to Save His Life
1:38 Eleazar's Joyful Devotion Amidst Torture
1:49 Nothing Can Touch Eleazar's Joy Due to His Relationship with God
2:01 Enduring Torture Joyfully, Offering It to the Lord
2:12 Re-Asking the Question: Where Is True Joy to Be Found?
2:18 Apart from God, Nothing Truly Satisfies
2:25 Loved by God, Love Him in Return: Nothing Can Steal Our Joy
2:39 Relationship with God Is the Source of That Joy
2:43 That Relationship Is Available to Each of Us
2:50 Christ Desires to Stay with Us, Just Like Zacchaeus
2:57 This Relationship and Joy Are Possible
3:02 Jesus Offers It to Each of Us Today: How Do We Respond?
