Through Lent with Pope Francis
Far from being timid, morose, acerbic or melancholy, or putting on a dreary face, the saints are joyful and full of good humour.
Gaudete et exsultate
Though completely realistic, they radiate a positive and hopeful spirit.
The Christian life is “joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17), for “the necessary result of the love of charity is joy; since every lover rejoices at being united to the beloved… the effect of charity is joy”.
Scripture
Philippians 4:4-7 NCB
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say: Rejoice!
Let your kindness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
Do not worry about anything, but present your needs to God in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving.
Then the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Thought for Today
“Rejoice” – it can be difficult at times to find things to rejoice about. After all, joy is a feeling, and we can’t switch them on and off at will. However, it can be too easy to allow ourselves to be miserable.
If we are used to counting our blessings, looking for things to thank God for, then we will have times of rejoicing.
Two things to do in prayer today:
1. Look for something you have said or done that you think God would want to thank you for.
2. Look for something in the day, whether large or small, that you appreciated and would like to thank God for.
Music
Rejoice in the Lord Always, Bible Song Kids, Sri Lanka