Messenger of Joy

Do not base your judgment on appearances; judge according to what is right.  - Jn 7:24

Reflection.  ”A weed is a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered” (Ralph Waldo Emerson).  Malicious gossip is like pulling up a rose before it blooms.  Be careful not to participate.  The person you are condemning may be a Saint in a distressing disguise.

Prayer.  Lord, teach me to keep from judging people too quickly. 

Health and fitness are better than gold, and a strong body is better than countless riches.  - Sir 30:15

Reflection.  Body, mind, and spirit all work together in harmony.  Poor eating habits can lead to poor health, obesity, and eventually to a breakdown of mind and spirit.  To stay trim, discipline yourself; good nutrition takes planning.  Take care of your health.

Prayer.  Jesus, make my mind strong enough to take care of my body. 

Defend the rights of the lowly and the poor.  Rescue the wretched and the needy.  - Ps 82:3-4

Reflection.  If you can give downhearted persons reason to hope, you can transform their sorrow into joy.  The dark cloud of fear will dissipate, and they will feel renewed.

Prayer.  Spirit of love and encouragement, empower me to build up rather than to tear down.

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. 

This is the fast I choose: … sharing your bread with the hungry, and bringing the homeless and poor into your house.  - Isa 58:6-7

Reflection.  Begin being a Saint today.  Receive the Eucharist with a happy heart.  Be grateful.  The past has brought you where you are today.  From now on be the Saint your want to be.

Prayer.  Dear Lord, help me to see You in the homeless and the outcast. 

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.