Thought of the Day January 22, 2019 Joy endures
This inner joy of Jesus, sustained by his relationship with the
Father and the Spirit, did not prevent him from experiencing the normal
struggles, sufferings and sadness of human existence. He wept over the death of
Lazarus and over the obstinacy of the Jewish religious leaders. He was saddened
over the lack of faith of his fellow townspeople and extended family in
Nazareth. He was disturbed by the misunderstanding and refusal of some of his
disciples in accepting his teaching on the Eucharist and his passion.
None of this negated the truth of his identity as the beloved
Son of the Father. Pope Francis may have had Jesus in mind when he wrote:
"l realize of course that joy is not expressed the same way at all times
in life, especially at moments of great difficulty. Joy adapts and changes,
but it always endures, even as a flicker of light born of our personal
certainty that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved. I
understand the grief of people who have to endure great suffering, yet slowly
but surely we all have to let the joy of faith slowly revive as a quiet yet
firm trust, even amid the greatest distress.” – Evangelii Gaudium, 6 (To be continued)
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