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The jailer at Philippi "joyfully celebrated with his whole family his newfound faith in God." The deeper our spiritual life, the greater will be the joy which our faith engenders.
St Paul tells us that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, and so on (Galatians 5:22). Let us take his words as an invitation to a deeper reflection on our spiritual life, our life in the Spirit. The joy that our faith evokes in our hearts may not be a very emotional thing; it may rather be an experience of peace: peace with ourselves, peace with God. It may be a deep-seated patience in the midst of many frustrations in life. It may be the experience of being loved or of being able to love. No matter what way we try to understand the joy of our faith, we can be certain that a faith which does not bring us joy is a very doubtful faith. Thus the prayer over the gifts today asks for "joy by these Easter mysteries" and looks forward to "eternal happiness".
Lord Jesus, enliven our faith with the joy of Easter and the joy of Your presence with us in the Eucharist and the Church.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That the laity and the Christian Communities may be responsible promoters of priestly and religious vocations.
Elaboration
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