February 13, 2009
Joy
Welcome the coming day as irreplaceable and unique, the today in which God is present. Look how to live it with a heart that trusts. The past is buried in God, and of the future he also takes care.
God is never the author of torment within anyone. He gives inner peace. What dizzy anxiety if God tormented the human heart, keeping account of what each person is not! We would be imagining God to have manipulative designs, as if he willed to make human beings guilt ridden. Whereas God suffers together with every person who is tormented.
In times of trial, search steadfastly to discover all that can light up our night. Gather up the events, however small, which awaken thankfulness and joy.
Remember that the presence of the Risen Christ cuts through the darkness: ''Darkness is no darkness with you, the night sheds light like the day.''
When you do not understand what is happening to you and there are difficulties to be lived through, would you forget the inner joy offered by Christ who declared nine times over:
- Happy are the simple in heart: the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Happy are the gentle: they will inherit the earth.
Happy are those who mourn: they shall be comforted.
Happy are those who hunger and thirst for what is right:they shall be filled.
Happy are the merciful: they will have mercy shown to them.
Happy are the clear in heart: they will see God.
Happy are those who are persecuted because of their justice: the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Happy are you when people abuse you, persecute you and falsley say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, your reward is great in heaven.''
By faith, you are able to choose the road which mounts up towards serene joy, and you will build your dwelling in the lands of joyfulness.
''You jesus, my joy, you give rest for my heart.''
Perfect joy lies in transparency of heart. In order to shine out, such joy requires no less than your whole being. It awakens others to God: above all by what you are.
Let Christ sing in you the radiant gift of life, to the point that the springs of jubilation never run dry.
Perfect joy is in the eagerness of the one who runs towards Christ Jesus.
One day , seeing that Zachaeus had climbed up in a tree to watch him pass by, Jesus called to him ''Zacchaeus, come down! Hurry, for I have to stay at your house today.'' So Zacchaeus came down at once and welcomed him joyfully.
Posted by Paul Northup at 11:26 AM | Comments (0)
End the Siege of Gaza
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Posted by Paul Northup at 11:11 AM | Comments (0)