CALLED TO BE MESSENGERS OF JOY

 

 

 

Jesus has spoken to us ‘that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full’.

He promises that our sorrow will turn into joy – joy is a command from Christ.

‘If you loved me, you would have rejoiced.’

‘I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.’

‘Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full.’

If we embrace the way of the cross we must also embrace the way of joy.

Christian joy is more than happiness, it is sadness overcome.

 

For we can easily shut God out from all areas when we have banished hope, joy, confidence, love.

So many Christians feel called to stay at the foot of the cross, or even mount guard at the tomb.

To join the women in the last rites but not celebrate the new life.

The Risen Christ comes to heal us as no one else can.

Our calling is to have a love that is so alive at heart – so filled

with joy and faith that those who attack us can only explain it by acknowledging

that Christ is risen and shares his life with us today.

 

The Gospels are a procession of joy rebuffing doubt, uncertainty and despair.

Elizabeth and Zechariah are filled with the joy of an newborn son.

The young maiden gives birth and shepherds and kings fall down in joy and adoration.

Simeon and Anna no longer keep vigil.

The promise is fulfilled in the joy that leads to a happy surrendered death.

The blind and the lame – welcomed the holy joy of Jesus’ touch.

 

We may think that we could be really happy if our pain could be cured, if we won the lottery,

if we could find the right person to share our lives with.  If only, If only ….

God’s joy is for us Now – in our immediate circumstances.

For the Joy of the Kingdom – the Joy of eternal life begins Now, not in some future fantasy.

This is the transforming joy of God that changes lives and creates

messengers (disciples) of great joy for our world Now!

 

C.S.

Inspired by the teaching of Fr Louis Evely (1910 - 1985) in 'Joy and Suffering'