"Rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven."

Joy is a true Christian virtue; however we must remember that joy is much more than a result of pleasure or self-contentment. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. In today's Gospel reading we see Jesus who is filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, praises His Father for the revelation given to the childlike. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us knowledge of God and His mysteries. This same Holy Spirit is also the source of our Christian joy - to know God and see His works in the world.

What can we do in order to become childlike and experience joy given by the Holy Spirit? We must have profound trust in God. He is our Lord and Heavenly Father. It is trust that dispels any fear. We should be humble and grateful. Everything that we have is a gift from God. Neither are we independent from others. We need to be pure of heart. It is constant conversion of heart that makes us open to God's grace, knowledge and love.

Our Christian joy, that is a fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, never ends. When we belong to God here and now - in this life and on this earth, we will rejoice in His presence for ever in heaven. Our names are written in heaven. Let us remember that today and always and no one will be able to destroy our joy.