One of the graces available to the Christian is an experience of inner joy. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit given to us at our Baptism. How can we activate it? It does not depend on what we have going on in our lives and the circumstance that we are facing such as health problems, relationship issues, financial difficulties and so on. No, this joy has its roots in Christ’s Resurrection.
Jesus’ disciples experienced guilt and a sense of hopelessness with all that it entailed. But this gave way to an inner joy when the Christ appeared among them. “Were not our hearts burning with fire at the breaking of the bread?” That joy became a part of their personality with the coming of the Holy Spirit. The joy that Jesus experienced came from the unconditional love of his Father.
Each day we have the opportunity to plunge ourselves into the Father’s love. We share in the freedom of God’s daughters and sons because of our connection with Christ’s death and Resurrection who brought salvation to the world. This is an inner joy that trusts that no matter what all will turn out well in this world or the next.
- Have you experienced a joy even in the midst of many trials?
- Do you begin each day plugging into that joy?
- How do you share this kind of joy with others
O God, help me choose the joy that springs from your death and Resurrection.