Why Joy Is More Christian Than Happiness

Happiness is circumstantial. In fact, the word has the same root as the word “happenstance”. And yet, despite how fickle it is, many of us base our lives on the pursuit of happiness. Joy, on the other hand, is the abiding and pervasive sense of well-being. Fr. Mike explains that joy is, as G.K. Chesterton wrote, “the gigantic secret of the Christian.” The Christian understands that God knows his name, loves him, and is here with him now. This never changes, and it is what gives the Christian a perpetual joy to which happiness cannot compare.
Fr. Mike is also a presenter in these faith formation programs from Ascension:
Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God (bit.ly/2vQgGRx)
Chosen: This is Your Catholic Faith (bit.ly/2nCKKLK)
Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed (bit.ly/2vG9KX2)
YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body (bit.ly/2raspVB)
Get 18 of Fr. Mike’s best Ascension Presents videos in this exclusive DVD from Ascension:
Ascension Presents … Fr. Mike Schmitz (bit.ly/2sKUnJN)
Fr. Mike spoke at the Ascension Cafe during the World Meeting of Families. Watch him and other speakers get fired up over the gospel in the Ascension Cafe DVD (bit.ly/2sYtQaW).
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[@ludwigvonmises1]

Don't ever stop making these videos, we're grateful

[@user-ik9rs9jy7p]

Dear Father God, Please protect Fr. Mike Schmidt keep him safe and let him know he is loved. Fr. Mike is teaching the world we currently live in about your love. In the name of Jesus Amen Father Son Holy Spirit

[@njohn6995]

I look at the crucifix and I know how much He loves me.

[@paisley6733]

I don't understand why people hate cloudy, rainy days... People say that they are depressing and gloomy, but I find them to be very beautiful, especially because it never rains where I live. I only get to experience rain not even a handful of times each year.

[@tyan_ldn]

No one can hide from my sights

[@debaterofeverythingpresent2775]

I used to think the same, till I got wifi.

[@sandragrace4613]

It may be bc it is a low pressure system and people can actually feel it.

[@debaterofeverythingpresent2775]

@@sandragrace4613 I think you are over thinking it just a bit. Haha. The rain disrupts alot of plans and people don't want to get their clothes wet. Even walking outside in the rain is a hassle.

[@paisley6733]

@@debaterofeverythingpresent2775 Yeah, I guess for many it does ruin plans. But I love going out when it's rainy; the days are so peaceful and quiet when it rains, and the gray clouds are beautiful. The only bad thing about rain, for me, is the danger it can cause for drivers.

[@heyjess7232]

Last week my priest said, "If you know me, you know that I am not a happy person. But happiness is not a virtue!"

[@GinnyandEric]

"We long for happiness but we're made for joy." YES! Every Fr. Mike video is so. on. point.

[@debbie4503]

Joy is when I wake up and I automatically just start thanking the Lord. I've been down so long since my Brother died, that when I wake up with Joy in my heart, I know who was the One who put it there.

[@essequamvideri]

God the Father... grace... Jesus- God the Son... love... Holy Spirit... joy... I am known to my Creator, my Savior and my Paraclete. My heart swells with gratitude, for I am Saved. Thank you Lord. Amen.

[@jeremygarnick6079]

Our happiness is rooted in our souls but our joy is rooted in our spirit.

[@eileen1820]

This is so, so true. When people say, "I just want you to be happy" it feels well intentioned but sets a weirdly unattainable standard and leaves me feeling like I'm falling short I really, really appreciate Fr. Mike articulating what I've failed to do so eloquently as he. Awesome! God bless you all!

[@user-ji2on8eg3l]

"Beyond happiness & unhappiness there is Peace." Eckhart Tolle

[@patrickfoley4990]

To me Joy is knowing that no matter where I am in life and or death I have the arms of Jesus and His Mother embracing me The heavenly host of Angels and Saints support me and pray for me And I am not alone I am with you and with my loved ones who have gone before in the everlasting embrace of God's love That is my Joy

[@DonInADress]

I was YAAASSSSSS-ing to this whole message. Praise God

[@mayruthwilfred1323]

what a gift of God UR Fr. Mike God bless n Protect you

[@NA-yt8xc]

As a native Southern Californian, I love cloudy and rainy days SO much since they’re such a refreshing and rare occasion

[@marypinakat8594]

Proclaim to the world 'Christ is our Joy!' - Blessed Pope Paul VI

[@AlejandroGarcia-ek3uy]

You just reminded me of Bach's "Jesus, joy of man's desiring". Beautiful, I'm going to listen to it right now.

[@emilymckellar7443]

"Comment below!... And, be joyful, you know?" Will do Father.

[@jilbageorgalis1568]

When I became a Christian someone told me JOY means Jesus first, others next and yourself last and I have found this true. Say you’re feeling lonely and miserable….first pray to Jesus and also praise Him for all the blessings He has given you, then think of Others…..one or more people you could call or visit to encourage, cheer or simply let them know you love or care about them. By the time you get to Yourself I guarantee you’ll have a smile on your face!

[@barbarawalsh2875]

I found myself saying throughout the advent and Christmas season that I was joyful over things. I was like a little girl going to a fairyland on Christmas Eve midnight mass. What they had done to the church in 12 hours since I’ve walked out of their 12 hours before was just unbelievable the flowers and the little lights and a beautiful arrangement on the altar with the baby Jesus to me it looks like the entire church was transformed. I sat there with the light, and just thought how joyous it all was, I never had any moment, but about being happy the only thing that mattered was the joy and it stayed with me that entire week, it’s quite cold as you know in the Midwest today. I joined you in the virtual front pew because as you know, I have a little bit of cancer and we’re still in the process of getting started on treatment and surgery so I did not go out to mass because it was nine below and I can’t take those chances, but spending the morning with you was also joyful. I love my parish priests both of them and I hated not being with them today, but I got to be with you and that was just a special. I could remember when I was younger, asking my grandmother, a very, very Christian woman. What would it do? What did I have to do to be happy and she told me happiness is not a destination it is part of the path of your life you’re not always going to be happy, but you’re not always going to be sad, that’s been one of those things that I’ve carried with me throughout my life. You’ve liked grandma she knew how to preach. Anyway, I do believe that joyfulness is more important than happiness. It’s nice to have both, but given the choice I would always take joyfulness. Thank you again for a very wonderful Sunday.🙏🙏

[@YouTubeaccountj]

This is exactly why I’m always joyful and people don’t understand me………….

[@jennadanielescobar4440]

Consider it pure joy!! Love that. Doesn’t mean you won’t hurt or cry or feel pain. Means you’ll get through the trial knowing the person who comes out the other side will be stronger.

[@astraeusgodofthestars676]

After watching this video I got goosebumps. The message is simple but impactful.

[@alexmcshane9522]

Fr I have been a victim of my own success and you have have beaten my addiction. I have always believed in NIL SINE LABORE Thank you so much and realise now that although success I’m life is important our success is measured in other ways. No more addiction and fallen into the devil empty promises. Thank you

[@Hreyes1111]

Absolutely beautiful praise god - thank you Fr.Mike

[@beverlyhanlon8101]

The Joy of the Lord is my strength.

[@Arckaro]

God bless you Father Mike

[@feb.herrera1761]

Fr. Mike, may God bless you always🙏...

[@petercooke5014]

Joy is Jesus with me ❤️

[@flightless8903]

It reminds me of a childhood song. "I got joy 4× down in my heart 3× to stay" God Bless Father Mike"

[@mikemcgurren9407]

Thank you so much for this message....lesson. needed desperately in todays world.

[@andrealuna8686]

Right now I am not sure if I’ll be able to continue another semester of college due to outside forces so this video helped me a lot to give me peace. Thank you Fr. Mike!

[@Donna-cc1kt]

Ohhh, I wish you the outcome that’s Gods intention. It took me 20 years to get my BA & MA. I don’t have any complaint. God knows my name. No regrets.

[@jorgemariozurek9984]

Hi! I’m from Colombia 🇨🇴 and I encountered this channel about a month ago. I’ve been watching all of your videos ever since. Great content.

[@user-ji2on8eg3l]

Jesus & Mary, I love you. Save souls.

[@kresimirspoljaric6431]

God bless you, Father Mike. 🙏🕊️❤️‍🔥

[@joykwa3416]

THANK YOU FR MIKE FOR SHARING I ALSO NEED JOY LIVING FULFILING IN CHRIST AND IN MOTHER MARY

[@bangmon1000]

Cloudy days make me happy.

[@Nga3]

This is the lesson I've needed. Thank you Fr Mike

[@Donna-cc1kt]

I wonder why but I was born it seems with joy yet had plenty of difficult times. When I pray I give thanksgiving for Joy. It’s a mystery to me. My older relatives have told me I was always that way. I don’t work on it, it’s just there. I agree! Joy is better than happiness.

[@mrs.anonymous6291]

I totally agree with you Paisley, I love rainy days! Rain is so important! My friends make fun of me and call me Martia Adams because I like cloudy, rainy days, sunny days actually annoy me in a way I don't every go in the sun.

[@antoniohirama.z.8946]

That was amazing. I actually have been coping with depression, by getting rid of my jaw clicking with constant small smiles, and talking to God when I’m alone.

[@Mister-Christer]

Love life, love people and love God. Love life=love people=love God. God Bless ❤️

[@AlejandroGarcia-ek3uy]

God bless you. God is Joy and we were made to share in that Joy for all eternity.

[@sme7385]

JOY is when you have the Holy Spirit working in you.

[@literaturemistress3947]

Thank You Father. May God Bless You. Amen

[@alexmcshane9522]

Can’t live without my lord, I feel like I have pick up a telephone and had a conversation with him. You are my savour Fr Mike

[@etienne-victordepasquale668]

A few months ago, I had tried to express my understanding that the words "joy" and "happiness" may have different etymological roots but are originally semantically equivalent. Today (25th January), the Society of the Little Flower publishes this extract from St Therese's autobiography: "I wish to give all to Jesus, since He has shown me that He alone is perfect happiness.". I have to re-iterate: this differentiation we are making between "joy" and "happiness" doesn't hold well, particularly when we are conversing with non-believers.

[@mug5455]

Did anyone else think of the For King and Country song "Joy"? :D Thanks Fr. Mike for spreading such a simple but beautiful message of joy!! God bless you!!

[@love2youtoday]

Love is always the answer. God is Love.

[@glopez4919]

Thank you Fr Mike. I'm experiencing God's love on a greater scale, the closer I get to him the closer I feel he is to me. I can sense his presence and I know there's way more of his love for us if we only give praise, thanks and our time. It's our choice and never too late as long as we can breathe.

[@FreedomandBaconHomestead]

Thank for updating the slogan on my diocesan conference. Great conference but we were made for... JOY!

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

So joy is being okay even when common sense and life says you shouldn't be? I like that. 😀

[@KaitiandTaylorBFFL]

I absolutely love these videos and they come at the times i need them most! The Holy Spirit is truly working through you!

[@MichaelFields]

Such a well made video with a relevant topic!

[@paintballjunkie65]

@Slaves of Mary Not exactly the right use of that word.

[@paintballjunkie65]

@Slaves of Mary Dogma means official opinion. I have have never heard of the catholic church having an official opinion against what he was saying. I am a Christian, not a catholic if that matters, but still have never heard it either way.

[@robertbruett5464]

What a great view of our lives with Jesus in them.

[@carriehemeon5245]

God is good God is good all the time

[@lukecumby454]

Thanks Fr. Mike, I really needed this video today.

[@janereynolds703]

I needed to hear this today. Thank you.

[@agjm884]

Happiness is when the 🌎 happens in a pleasant way to you. Joy is when you happen to the world in a pleasant way. People doing good service to me makes me happy, doing good service to others brings me joy... Of course until one makes some face😕

[@wilhufftarkin8543]

I love cloudy days! I'm happier when it's cloudy than when it's sunny. ;)

[@JonSimon93]

Absolute truth.

[@korinacalbay6260]

ironically I just talked about this this past weekend at a high school fall retreat! beautiful truth

[@paulrubio3918]

What Father Mike says here reinforces something I saw written on a display once that mentioned how attitude is not about what life brings to us, but what we bring to life.

[@divyaprasannaraj56]

Fr god bless you. Please for in strengthening church against evil with in church. From India. We are just 1.3 / of Indian population where our religious people beyond money. Not along God which very sad.

[@OurLadyofLourdesDaytona]

Yes! This is exactly why we "go out to all the world and tell the good news!"

[@louieadam251]

Father Mike I came across your videos most probably two or three weeks ago. To be honest I am hook up and always excited in watching your videos. I was raised Catholics attended mass religiously when I was younger until my university days and later part of my life I changed my preference of Sunday service and no longer attend the mass because I found it boring really boring ..and their preaching is so boring. I was converted to be a born Christian and I love their preaching and I grew spiritually. After watching your videos WOW!! God is changing Catholic priest finally. I thank God I found your channel and it is inspire me so much. Thank you please don't stop preaching us the word of God, we need priest like you who has energy, boldness, charisma, and lastly his love for God.

[@forsakenmagic]

Beautifully said Father Mike

[@NidaLacambra]

Thank you for sharing this fr. God bless you always.

[@birgitcangonja5175]

Have a joyfull sunday Fr Mike and to you all 🙏🕊

[@priscillakhapai3623]

I am filled with angst and uncertainty about my results lord, I was so angry and frustrated today because I had to wait for a lot longer than expected. I wanted relief and happiness but perhaps joy is what I'm made for. I will wait and rejoice in whatever is in store for me. I will wait in christ for that result day. A terribly impatient 20 something here.

[@marylou931]

I knew AND lived in joy once. ONCE. For around a year. It was cut short by my lack of self confidence. I followed the advice of my mom who surely loved me. But nobody knows you better than you yourself and God. Oh joy is totally different, so much better, like being in the arms of our Saviour at every moment.

[@joyyoung3319]

Too blessed to be stressed! I'm JOYFUL because Jesus loves me and He is with me always!

[@mazikode]

Thank father Mike...thank you for sharing

[@katm41]

7:00 during mourning 😥I find it hard at times to be joyful to choose joy.

[@citizensnid3490]

This gives me strength knowing that Jesus loves me

[@Densmith43]

Oh HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY !

[@Sunicarus]

Ode to joy!

[@Molly-cd9fx]

Thank you fr. Mike

[@rolo20ged70]

Hi teacher ❤ Fr Schmitz

[@ramonapaselio]

Everything you said Fr Mike linked to everything that has been happening in my life and this week! The gods you mentioned, just made me recall the movie "The gods of Egypt" I watched yesterday, great movie but you had a very good point about the one true God who loves us all unconditionally. God bless you Fr Mike and thank you for the very insightful subject about joy and happiness, very true :)

[@bellarue22]

God made it so that I hear this today. Not on the day it was published but today. Thankful for your videos and for the vocation of the priesthood

[@adrianfbird]

Happiness and joy comes from inside the more you search for it the further away it will always be.

[@Peonie24]

Thank you so much Father Mike 😊 and thank you JESUS.

[@ribbit1964]

You always have the right thing to say at the right time - truly blessed fr mike! Thanks some more for being there! I choose joy!

[@702flower]

Thank you again. Fr. Mike. I have come to rely on your videos to be able to explain more clearly what the Gospels and the Church teaches. I have come to this realization about happiness. I don’t tell my kids to be happy because just like you said it’s a false notion of self focus. They are chasing to find something that is by chance. Joy is a completely different thing. Thank you for clarifying. God Bless you. I pray I could one day meet you. That would bring me so much joy. Enjoy your day.

[@NB-cu7tq]

God bless you Father Mike! I always learn from these videos! May the holy spirit continue to work through you!

[@MinnowCreekGirl]

Ren and Stimpy knew it all along; Happy Happy Joy Joy, Fr. Mike!

[@paisley6733]

Stimpy was the only one who practiced joy, sadly.

[@12mountain]

Thank you, Fr. Mike, for such a wonderful video. I needed to hear this, to be reminded of this truth and take it to heart! Thank you for always taking the time to produce wise, thoughtful, illuminating videos. They truly make a difference in the lives of so many people!

[@angelicayanez2857]

There is a Christmas song called “There’s Still My Joy”; this video reminded me of that song. I listened to that song over and over the first Christmas after my father passed. I believe it is true; you can feel joy in the midst of not feeling “happy”.

[@joececcacci4879]

Thanks Father Mike.

[@lindajamme5459]

I have found on my slow journey of learning about Jesse that I am joyful. Sure I have had many tearful trials but I still come out feeling positive and not angry. One day a few years ago I realized that I feel like the song (I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart), and I do.

[@dragosc8326]

Beautiful said, Padre, but it's hard to find joy when fighting with my kids... That's the hardest moments of my every day life. A happy life, I'd say...

[@pomfret_and_pommes_frites_6493]

Phil. 4: 6-7 as well as James 1:2 always work for me. That sense of peace is more important than "happiness" too

[@iloveroses2806]

Thank you Father for this video...Holy Spirit was working big time,

[@CorekBleedingHollow]

Joy has a lot more depth and meaning than happy. I never liked the word happy.

[@rebal1681]

Thank you, Father Mike, for this beautiful message. Last week, we said goodbye to my mother so this message is well received and very much appreciated. Thank you again.

[@art4theglryofgod]

Reminds me of the New song by For King and Country - "JOY"

[@pedrocorrea6870]

I always though that happiness was the pervasive sense of well being and joy was the circunstantial pleasure.

[@colleenwilliams9674]

Thanks you Father Mike. Jesus = Joy

[@josephinegover6734]

I’m so grateful for your videos!

[@mattbono2815]

7:20 "choose joy!" That's the tagline for our Christian radio station in St. Louis, 99.1 Joy FM. And I just happen to be wearing that shirt today! 😃 Choose Joy: That's great life advice!