Readings of the day: RB 2:33-40
Mass: Ac 20:28-38; Resp Ps 68; Jn 17:11b-19
IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE.
Not only that, ‘God loves a cheerful giver’ (2 Co 9:7).
Far from being timid, morose, acerbic or melancholy, or putting on a dreary face, the saints are joyful and full of good humour. Though completely realistic, they radiate a positive and hopeful spirit. The Christian life is “joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rm 14:17), for “the necessary result of the love of charity is joy; since every lover rejoices at being united to the beloved… the effect of charity is joy”. Having received the beautiful gift of God’s word, we embrace it “in much affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit” (1 Th 1:6). If we allow the Lord to draw us out of our shell and change our lives, then we can do as Saint Paul tells us: “Rejoice in the Lord always; I say it again, rejoice!” (Ph4:4)
(Gaudete et Exsultate, 122)
There is no love without works of charity.
Service towards our brothers and sisters springs from the heart that loves.
(Pope Francis, Twitter, May 16, 2018)
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