by Randy Hain | April 21, 2025 1:00 am
Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!
Are we celebrating the joy of the Resurrection? I believe one of the greatest obstacles to evangelization and sharing our faith with others today is that many of us have forgotten how to be joyful. I know when the stresses of the world weigh me down, I struggle to maintain a joyful attitude in the presence of others. We are often so busy with our hectic schedules and materialistic lifestyles that we lose touch with our love of Christ and neglect our faith. What would consistently reflecting sincere joy do for our growth as Catholics? The people around us? For the rest of the world?
Joy in the midst of extreme adversity is our obligation and our duty as Catholics. Remember that we are not alone. Our faith in Christ and our devotion in the sacraments that bind us to Him will see us through the tough times and help us share a joy that will not evaporate in the face of tough challenges. Be encouraged by our Lord’s words, “I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).
It is so easy to get lost in our problems and forget to be joyful. It happens to me and just about everyone else I know. But remember that we are surrounded by people who are watching us. They may be seeking Him and looking for someone—anyone—to show them the way to Christ. They could learn from our good example, be inspired by our joy, and be encouraged by our faith journeys if we will only remember that we are called to share the Good News. If we are gloomy, frustrated, inward-focused and critical of the Church, we will never be able to help anyone and may put our own salvation at risk.
Let me share four simple actions I try to follow in my desire to be joyful. This is by no means the definitive list, but this short checklist helps me stay on track:
Consider the simple manifestations of joy such as showing affection, smiling, laughter, joy after receiving the Eucharist in Mass or right after leaving Reconciliation. The world will place enormous pressure on our shoulders that may make it feel impossible to be joyful at times. But if we are truly living our faith and trusting in Christ, then no burden or suffering will hold back the love that is in our hearts.
If I ever feel like I am not having a positive effect on the world, I can always show my sincere Christ-inspired joy to those I encounter each day in hopes of at least making a difference in the life of another person. That is a good place to start. Happy Easter!
Image credit” “The Resurrection” |Andrea Mantegna[1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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