There are strong reasons to support the claim that 1 Thess 5: 16 is the shortest verse in the Bible. It simply says, "Rejoice always" Whatever the validity of the claim, the verse provides us with a two word summary of one of the main messages of today's prayers and readings, in which the words "rejoice" and "joy" occur ten times. Convincing reasons are given why the returned exiles in Jerusalem and the seventy two disciples should be so joyful. Rejoicing should be an integral part of our lives as Christians too.

In the Gospel the disciples are rejoicing about what could possibly have been their first taste of real success in winning followers for the way of life offered by Jesus. Jesus confirmed their success and congratulated them but warned them not to forget that their enthusiasm and dedication would be recognised and rewarded in heaven.

The writer of this short note is in a kind of wondering shock after his Easter Saturday night experience. On that night he was accompanying a group of catechumens who had been preparing for a year and a half for Baptism. The instructors were mostly young, dedicated, well trained volunteers, just finished or finishing their University studies. What was striking was the fact that the whole group, catechists and catechumens, enjoyed themselves at times in helpless laughter despite the hard work.