Reflection
People who are truly holy know that life is meant not to be endured but to be enjoyed. The virtue of joy is listed as one of the fruits of the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is a simple delight in being alive and a response to feelings of happiness, experiences of pleasure, experiencing love, and an awareness of giftedness. It is also the deep satisfaction we know when we are able to serve others and be glad in their wellbeing. Joy grows out of faith, grace, gratitude, hope, and love.
Prayer
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy
Psalm 16:11
Action
Allow yourself to experience joy- in your life, in being with your loved ones, in being in touch with the beauty that surrounds you. Be grateful for the life giving joys in your life.
Suggested Reading
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:14
A Christian is never bored or sad. Rather, the one who loves Christ is full of joy and radiates joy.
Pope Francis
The fullness of joy is to behold God in everything.
Julian of Norwich
Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Joy has no name. Its very being is lost in the great tide of selfless delight — creation’s response to the infinite loving of God.
Evelyn Underhill
The announcement is the great joy that the Lord is present and living in the world: that the Lord is with us. Dominus vobiscum, the Lord be with you. This is what we are constantly announcing in the liturgy, that the Lord is present in the world.
Thomas Merton
God deliver me from gloomy saints!
Teresa of Avila
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.
Marianne Williamson
I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.
Rabindranath Tagore
Joy in looking and comprehending is nature’s most beautiful gift.
Albert Einstein