Do your daily encounters with people leave a lasting impression of joy and peace in them? - Daily Reflections December 21,2014

BE A BEACON OF JOY

 

The story of the Annunciation has always been depicted through centuries of Christian art as a moment of joy, not only for Mary but for all of humanity. The birth of the promised Savior is near!

         Pope Francis, in one of his homilies, said, “A long-faced Christian is not a good witness.” This is a simple yet powerful reminder for us. Joy is the most basic form of evangelization. How can we be an everyday evangelizer?

         First, be joyful. Show to the world that to live the faith is joyful and liberating. Nothing turns off the modern man more than a joyless and stoic Christian. Show to the world the joy that comes from having a relationship with God. Radiate that peace and be a balm of freshness to everyone you meet. Be affirmative of others. Be a positive presence in your community.

         Secondly, love others more often — the kind of love that warms the hearts of people, especially those we typically ignore. Smile at the store clerk who processes your purchase. Thank sincerely the waitress who takes your orders.

         Thirdly, know your faith. You cannot give what you do not have. You cannot defend what you do not know. First Peter 3:15 admonishes us, “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” In a country where 85 percent are baptized and professed Catholics, it’s easy to just coast along and be swept by the collective tide of worshipers. If someone stops you on the road and asks you “for a defense for the hope that is in you,” are you up to the challenge?

         Fourthly, share the faith. At no time in the history of the world is sharing the faith more easy. With the advancement of technology, sharing the faith is literally just a click of the button away. Stop posting nonsense in your Facebook accounts, or at least lessen it. Share inspiring and educational materials on the faith. Share your own thoughts and reflections and not only what you are having for dinner. Fr. Joel Jason

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do your daily encounters with people leave a lasting impression of joy and peace in them?

 

O Mary, you who were given utmost joy by receiving Jesus in your womb, lead me to Jesus that I may in turn lead others to Him, too. Amen.