“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”
John 15:11
“God, save us from sour-faced saints!" St. Teresa of Avila wryly and aptly reminds us that being a Christian should evoke not funeral dirge faces, but rather those of radiating joy!
This does not mean syrupy, saccharine, fake Christianity. That is something the world also does not need–another person hiding the fact that following Christ means facing suffering in one’s journey. And frankly, I have felt more inspired by those who do not hide behind Pollyannatype phrases that dismiss their trials but rather can share with authenticity a bit of their struggle when asked that classic question, “how are you doing?” Jesus ain’t fake!
He also didn’t moap and moan around. I think we can fall into traps of bemoaning crosses that we really aren’t being asked to carry, or gossipping about tiny things that aren’t really worth our breath to complain about. When we do this, we can easily fall out of living in joy, and don’t really reflect Christ.
Being joyful comes from staying rooted in Christ’s love for us, and in the relationship we have with the Savior of the world. While it is deeper and less fickle than emotion, it should burn within us in a way that those we meet know there is something different about us. And there is–as Mary Magdalene said after returning from the tomb, “I have seen the Lord!”
Do I trend more towards sour faced, overly sweet, or authentic Christianity?
Jesus, please cultivate a deeper joy in my heart.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Sarah Williford
Did you know...
After 10+ years in faith formation and youth ministry, Sarah Williford’s new adventure is rocking the mom life at home with her new daughter and some side hustles. She thrives on a good cup of tea, layered harmonies, quirky comedies, Adoration, and her husband, Ryan. You can catch her at the Saint Jude Moms Group on Wednesday mornings.
