Messenger of Joy

“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. 

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.

How great and wonderful are Your works, Lord, God Almighty!  Just and true are Your ways. – Rev 15:3

Reflection.  The Angels bow before the Lord, and the Saints praise His Holy Name.  All creation manifests His wondrous deeds.  Be happy in His presence.

Prayer.  Lord, grant me the grace to worship You in spirit and truth by living joyfully.