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Uncomplicated Joy

       It is one thing to attend Mass, but another entirely when you watch a dear friend be bound forever to Christ's Church. Today, I witnessed a marriage, but unlike the one last weekend, this one was between two men: Ryan Rojo and Christ Himself, and it was breathtaking. I could spend an entire blog about how dear this person is to me, and what he means to me and my family, but I won't. This isn't just about Ryan, this is also about "uncomplicated joy."
       Bishop Sis, the bishop of San Angelo, Texas, gave the homily at today's Mass, and although I was listening intently, his message ran through me and stopped with this one phrase: uncomplicated joy. If there were people around me looking in my direction when I heard that, I am sure they would have seen my eyes dilate and my jaw fall open. What the hell did this mean? What does it mean to have uncomplicated joy? Bishop Sis was speaking to Ryan about his newly marriage to the Church, and when he spoke life into this phrase I knew he was speaking to us, the Church.
        Uncomplicated: not complicated by something outside itself. Joy: a feeling of great happiness, success in doing, finding, or getting something. So, in a sense, this means that we get pleasure by doing something in a way that is entirely simple in nature. I LOVE THIS!! How often have I surpassed the simple to reach a complexity that just brings complications to my life? How often have I taken something of innocence and driven it mad by attaching my own version of perverseness. We are to strive for uncomplicated joy, a happiness that is simple.
         This is not only for the life of Deacon Ryan Rojo, but for all of us. It is a call to humility. It is a call to holiness, and we must answer. When Ryan is getting up each morning and looking into the mirror to say "Yes" to Christ's call, I plan to wake each morning with the intent to achieve uncomplicated joy. Grrr!! This is so awesome!
         And as I drove to the Rojo household being welcomed with open arms as a part of the family, I caught a glimpse of this joy. The authentic Mexican Mariachi band, the amazing homemade food (and tortillas...a personal fave), my new favorite cookie: biscochos, the countless blessings given by Deacon Ryan, the honest and true conversations, the dry Texas heat, the smiles and laughter of kids and adults were all testaments to this uncomplicated joy, and I wish to seek it in all things.
         Be blessed, Deacon Ryan Rojo...I still blame you for making me cry through the whole Mass. It was an honor to see you today, and know that more than the Saints were looking down on you.

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