Do you have a glad heart? When you are able to see beyond your own personal
preoccupations, and have the opportunity to serve another, it might open up the
possibility. It becomes easier to experience gladness when you are able to meet
another’s needs. Think of the many times you have been served in a restaurant with the
waiter who serves with a glad heart by what she or he says but most of all by her or his
spirit which can become contagious and helps you and your companions begin the meal
with gladness.
This is just one example of how we might be receptive to joy. Another powerful example
would be seeing on TV the joy of the million and a half youth and their companions on
World Youth Day. This is what Pope Francis wanted to convey in his letter, “The Joy of the
Gospel.” We committed Christians who follow Jesus, even though we are invited to take
up our Cross and the suffering in the world, know that Christ had overcome fear in its
many forms and even death itself. That faith and hope can lead to an experience of a glad
heart which is also contagious. With a glad heart we are called to praise God and with our
lives reflect an “Alleluia” that can never be far from our true self.
• What keeps you from having a glad heart?
• What gives you a smile as you go through your day?
• Does an inner relationship with Christ bring happiness to your life?
O God, help me reflect the joy of being Christian.