Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit forms this fruit in our lives as we open ourselves to His grace. Gandhi once said that he was attracted to Christianity if it wasn`t for Christians. He understood the truth in Christianity but he was discouraged by the way it was lived. Sometimes we walk around as joyless Christians, as though the whole world is caving in around us. In the Bible, there are over 200 references to joy. Joy should be evident in our lives as we know a Savior and Redeemer who gave us life anew.
Jesus is filled with joy in the Holy Spirit as He praises His Father in heaven. He is overjoyed that many are coming to know the Father. God is made known; this is His will. We belong to the Father. He gives being and existence to all His creation. He upholds and sustains them, enables them to act and brings them to their final end (Catholic Catechism, no. 301).
The joy of the Lord is our strength. We can rejoice always in the Lord for He has given us access to the Father. We are restored to the likeness of God. The gates of eternal life have swung open and we have life in abundance. This is a cause of great joy for us. Even though our lives are beset by many trials, we remain secure in the Lord. I once heard of an acronym for J-O-Y: J stands for Jesus, O for others and Y for you. We are to be in a personal relationship with Jesus, the center of our lives. We are filled with His love and desire to make Him known to others. By denying yourself and looking out for the interests of others in selfless service, you are blessed and have life in God.
There are many things in our lives that can bring about this joy — a newborn babe, then to watch a child take his first step and to hear him speak the first words, are a joy for family and friends. When one graduates from school or university, we rejoice in this achievement. Weddings are also joyous occasions where we celebrate the love and faithfulness of the newlywed couple. Fr. Brian Steele
Reflection Question:
What are the joyous times in my life? Recall them today and give thanks to Jesus, our source of true joy.
God of life and love, fill me with Your joy. May I rejoice in Your presence giving thanks and praise to You all my days. Amen.
St. Mary Magdalen Postel, pray for us.