Messenger of Joy

Be persistent … whether in season or out of season.  - 2 Tim 4:2

Reflection.  Your persistence may be all that is needed to complete some noble project.  Your efforts may be all that it takes to finish an important job that will make this a better world.

Prayer.  Lord in heaven, help me to endure and persevere in my good intentions.

Act justly and love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.  - Mic 6:8

Reflection.  ”If you think going to church makes you a Christian, you probably also think that sitting in a garage will make you a car” (Garrison Keillor).  Face the facts, it takes love and humility to keep you from becoming an egotistical bore.

Prayer.  Lord, help me to face the truth about myself. 

“Why do you look among the dead for the One Who is alive?  He is not here.  He has been raised.”  - Lk 24:5-6

Reflection.  These words announced the greatest event in human history, the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead.  Let us rejoice and be glad today and forever.

Prayer.  Jesus, You lead us to eternal glory.  Thank You for Your eternal love.

I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one shall deprive you of your joy. - Jn 16:22

Reflection.  When Lent is over, the joy increases.  If you love God and want to please Him, live each day joyfully.  This very act of honoring God with your joy will give your life great meaning.  Joy is your vocation.

Prayer.  Father in heaven, You are my happiness.  You are my life. 

Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you then will truly be free.  - Jn 8:36

Reflection.  When life is overwhelming don’t give up.  Be patient.  Be confident.  God will come through for you.  Difficulties are part of life.  Carry your cross with courage.

Prayer.  Lord, I need the gift of patient endurance.  Thank You for Your gift of love. 

Your light must shine so that it can be seen by others; this will enable them to observe your good works and give praise to your Father in heaven.  - Mt 5:16

Reflection.  A three-thousand-year-old Chinese proverb says: “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”

Prayer.  Dear Lord, help me to really make a difference in the lives of others by carrying Your light into the world. 

You are precious in my sight.  - Isa 43:4

Reflection.  God sees you as His unique creation.  Your body is a wonderful, integrated composition of organs and systems.  You have been given many gifts and talents.  Your personality and your good intentions are wonderful to behold.  You have so much to be grateful for.

Prayer.  Thank You, Lord, for loving me as though I am Your only child. 

Wealth hastily acquired will dwindle away, but when amassed little by little, it will increase. - Prov 13:11

Reflection.  The more you give away in this life, the more you store up for eternity.  The little gifts of praise and kindness we give to those we meet, all build up our treasury.

Prayer.  Holy Spirit, help us to be generous in little ways this day.

Be on guard against false prophets … By their fruits you will know them.  - Mt 7:15, 16

Reflection.  A Chinese garden is an artistic arrangement of stone and tiny pools sprinkled with lovely flowers.  Our life is like a garden when we sprinkle it with small acts of kindness.  Only a fool destroys his own garden with acts of meanness.

Prayer.  Dear God, make me an instrument of Your love. 

Man’s greatest happiness is to be glad and do well … And when we eat and drink and find satisfaction in all our labors, this is a gift of God.  - Eccl 3:12-13

Reflection.  The key to enjoying life is to enjoy it not as an end in itself, but as a prelude to eternal happiness.  Eternal joy begins now.

Prayer.  Holy Spirit, teach me how to be spiritually and emotionally happy.