Messenger of Joy

I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, says the Lord.  - Jer 30:17

Reflection.  Being a caregiver or a volunteer in difficult circumstances requires great spiritual effort.  It also requires physical and psychological strength.  Take care of yourself so that you can be an effective instrument of God’s love.

Prayer.  I pray for the grace, O Lord, to perform deeds of mercy with courage. 

Even if he stumbles, he will never fall headlong … For the Lord loves the just, and He will not forsake His faithful ones.  - Ps 37:24-28

Reflection.  What defines your character?  Are you basically selfish with some flashes of charity; or are you truly humble and loving?  Do the right thing, and don’t think so much about yourself.

Prayer.  Give me wisdom, Lord, and give me strength to do the kind thing.

If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you may ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  - Jn 15:7

Reflection.  Even if you don’t know what to ask for, the Lord knows what you need.  He loves you better than you love yourself.  Live on a higher level of faith.  God’s love is real.

Prayer.  Lord, teach me to pray, teach me how to accomplish Your Will. 

My mouth is filled with Your praises as I relate Your glory all day long.  - Ps 71:8

Reflection.  ”Prayer is an aspiration of the heart.  It is a simple glance directed to heaven.  It is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial, as well as joy”  (St. Theresa of Lisieux).

Prayer.  Lord, I share in Your happiness, and I delight in Your joy.

Let us then pursue the ways that lead to peace and mutual edification.  - Rom 14:19

Reflection.  We all have a tendency to be wary of people who are different, but with a little effort we can look for the many things we have in common.  The more we accept our own shortcomings, the easier it will be to accept others.

Prayer.  O Lord, help me to love my neighbor. 

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.  - Lk 6:27

Reflection.  John Kennedy once said, “Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.”  This is wisdom, but Jesus challenged us to love our enemies.  This does not mean that we can allow terrorists to have their way in the world.  The evil tyrant must be stopped, and then forgiven.

Prayer.  Father, forgive them for they know not what they do, but protect our soldiers in the process. 

I have learned to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live with little, and I know how to live with plenty.  - Phil 4:11,12

Reflection.  A peaceful spirit is attainable.  All you need is the will to count your blessings, the wisdom to accept the things you cannot change, and the courage to change the things you can.

Prayer.  Holy Spirit, console me, comfort me, and give me peace of soul. 

A new video interview is available for viewing on this blog under “Pages: VIDEO ARCHIVES” (at right) and also by linking to our web site www.johncatoir.com.  This interview segment talks about Fr. John Catoir’s 2006 book, “Joy.”  We hope you enjoy seeing this clip with Fr. Catoir.

Where your treasure is, there will your heart also be.  - Mt 6:21

Reflection.  It is good to enjoy your precious life, but not as an end in itself.  Pope John Paul II said, “It is not wrong to want to live better; what is wrong is a style of life which is directed toward having, rather than being …”

Prayer.  Let my heart be truly Yours, Lord. 

Let us therefore cast aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.  - Rom 13:12

Reflection.  Envy is sadness over the good fortune of another.  Learn to spot that sadness when it arises in your heart, and then stamp it out.  Focus on your own unique qualities, not what you lack.  Do not allow sadness to rule your heart.

Prayer.  Lord, let me praise You when I resent the good fortune of others.