Spirituality
Br. Roger Goodwill, a spiritual leader with Mustard Seed Communities in Jamaica, shares a message that has been a source of strength and hope for him and his community in difficult times.
In this article, he gently invites us to embrace the powerful message to “rejoice always,” as St. Paul encourages the Christian community of Thessalonica, offering a reminder of joy even in life’s struggles.
– Philippians 4:4
We are called by Saint Paul’s letter to rejoice always since our hope is in Jesus Christ. Yet, how can we as a people rejoice in this point in our world’s current affairs: when there are bombings in Gaza; war in Ukraine; civil unrest in Haiti; drought in Zimbabwe; and uncertainty in the United States? Or how can we rejoice always when the cost of living is high and many are facing difficulties in paying their bills?
The people of ancient Greece reading Saint Paul’s letter had some of these same issues we are facing today. They dealt with persecution from authorities, rejection from families and friends, and even death. The early Church’s faith was tested—even to the point of considering abandoning the Christian way of life and returning to the ways of darkness. And so, Saint Paul’s letter to “rejoice always” is not to pretend as if he doesn’t know or understand what is happening, but rather to remind them and us to be patient under trial and to find the good in challenging situations.
Therefore, let us rejoice when there is not enough, because we know that God will find a way for us. Let us rejoice when we are faced with difficult situations because we trust that God will guide our decision-making. Let us rejoice when we are faced with persecutions and rejections because God will ensure that our lives are guided by His strength, and no force will have the final word over us.
Let us rejoice always, trusting that God, who is Love, always wills the best for us.
Br. Roger Goodwill was born in Jamaica and attended Catholic schools throughout his life.
He first encountered Mustard Seed Communities in 2011 when he met Deacon Garvin Augustine, now Father Garvin. Accepting an invitation to “come and see” the work of MSC in various communities across Jamaica, he was deeply moved by the organization’s mission and how it seamlessly integrates spirituality into its work.
Fluent in four languages, Roger completed his Philosophy Studies in the Dominican Republic and his Theological Studies in Florida. He now leads MSC’s Spirituality Office in Jamaica.