(Listen to this homily here).
This morning I want to relay greetings and blessings from Bishop Paul Sirba. He assured us of his prayers as we enter Holy Week as a diocese and as individual parishes. He also asked us to pass along a message about joy to our parishioners, and I am happy to oblige!
This morning I want to relay greetings and blessings from Bishop Paul Sirba. He assured us of his prayers as we enter Holy Week as a diocese and as individual parishes. He also asked us to pass along a message about joy to our parishioners, and I am happy to oblige!
Bishop
spoke about joy from three perspectives at the Chrism Mass yesterday
evening. First, he spoke about joy
as a fruit of the Spirit that is a result of love. More than feeling, joy is a spiritual reality that takes
place when we love and are loved by Jesus.
He
then moved to reflect how joy is connected to evangelization. Using Pope Francis’ The Joy of the Gospel as a witness, Bishop
affirmed that joy is essential to discipleship. Using Pope Francis’ language, he asked, “If you had to
choose, would you rather spend time with a sour-puss or a joy-filled
person? Of course, the joyous one!” As we strive to make disciples (which
we are striving to do here!) we must be joyful witnesses to the Good News of
Jesus Christ. Joy is attractive.
Finally,
Bishop Sirba illustrated the joy of partaking of the sacraments. If you need proof of this, just look at
the faces of those who will be confirmed at the Easter Vigil! Look at a family who presents a baby
for Baptism. Look at the kids who
receive their first communion.
Receiving Christ through tangible signs of God’s love should spark joy
in our hearts.
Carry
joy, and the theme of joy, throughout the rest of Holy Week. Even in the darkest moments—Peter’s
denial, Judas’ betrayal, the crowds’ condemnation, the crucifixion and death of
Jesus—remember the joy Christ brings through his passion, death and
resurrection. Carry joy with you
to Easter!
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