None of us can live without Joy!

Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way, But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.” Luke 6:20-26

Imagine that you are seated next to Jesus and he is talking directly to you. It’s hard to accept what he is saying but HE is the one speaking it. Poverty, hunger, sorrow and being excluded may not appeal to me, but they are the values that Jesus has spoken. Jesus encourages me to strive for the values of his Kingdom. Laughter and joy await in Heaven!

How appropriate to hear the words that Jesus speaks right now. His words are meant to guide our holiness in life. He constantly gives us ways that we need to care for others and we can sometimes find it difficult. Every generation has found it difficult. Every generation has felt suffering, sorrow, hunger and exclusion in their time and yet, Jesus’ message remains the same.

He gives us the beatitudes to live a joyful life. He tells us how to live a life of happiness despite the difficulties and troubles that can weigh us down. If we want to find true happiness, we must empty ourselves of all that would shut God out of our hearts. None of us can live without Joy! Jesus tells us that the joys in heaven will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships in the world. 

I have felt fear here and there but I remember that trials are part of life. Jesus wants us to transform from within ourselves so that we don’t allow fear to consume our lives. This conversion CAN and WILL take place with the help of the Holy Spirit. I have forgotten the work that the Holy Spirit does!

Take some time to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament, virtually or in person. Ask Jesus for a conversion of heart.

Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you and show me the way that leads to everlasting happiness and peace. May I desire you above all else and find perfect joy in doing your will.