To know I am so loved–unworthy as I am is joy. To know that the consequences of Jesus’ death/resurrection is my salvation is joy. He has made me whole once more, a new creation. He has reconciled me to the Father and to every other person. Through him I have access to the Father in the Spirit. I live now, not I but Christ Jesus in me. Joy!

How can I sustain this grace of joy which only comes from the Lord?

1) By desiring and responding to a greater relationship with  God  than I have now. By choosing to love no matter the cost.“Although you have never seen him, you love him, and without seeing you now believe in him, and rejoice with inexpressible joy touched with glory because you are achieving faith’s goal, your salvation” (1 Pet 1:8-9). 

2) By turning away from sin and living as fully as possible the Gospel life. 

3) By giving thanks for all that God has done and given, sharing with others. There is a story told of St. Theresa of Avila. One day when St. Theresa was very ill and could take no food, she thought she would like to taste an orange. So someone brought her a few very sweet ones.  As soon as they were brought to her, instead of touching them herself she sent them to some of her poor people who were sick.  One of the sisters asked her why she had done so, since she stood in need of them more than anyone else.  "I feel more pleasure," she said, "in giving them to the poor than if I kept them for myself; when I see them satisfied I also am full of joy." (To be continued)