The Word, joy and the Holy Spirit
Acts 13: 44-52; Jn 14: 7-14
Jealousy, opposition, contradiction, calumny, derision, persecution... all these abounded against the believers as they embraced their new found faith in the Lord. But amidst all these, the first reading says, the disciples were filled with joy and Holy Spirit. That was the reason the Word spread all through the region. The Word spreads with true inner joy. Jesus already spoke of this connection between the Word and joy: I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete (Jn 15:11).
We would be missing the whole point if we do not get more and more in touch with God everyday of our life. Jesus would ask us too the same question: 'Have I been so long with you and you still have not got really in touch with me, my father, my life style, my passions, my values and so on?' Once we get in touch with Jesus, and thus with God our Father and Mother, with the Spirit who enlightens us each day, we will emanate a joy that is irresistible. Let us remain united to Christ, who is united to the Father and thus give the world the joy that it longs for.