Rejoice and Be Glad!

In his recent Apostolic letter Gaudete and Exsultate, Pope Francis asks us to hear the call to holiness and friendship with Jesus in our everyday lives. And, to rejoice and be glad about it.

In the early days of the church, all of the baptized were referred to as saints. That is what we are called to be. How do we do it? We walk with Jesus, trust in him, and live a life worthy of our belief in him.

Think of your own small faith community. As you listen to each person share their reflections, what does that do for you? Members are inspired by each other as they share their stories of joy, pain, and hardship, but with inspired faith and joy in the Lord. When dealing with difficulties, many people have said, “I don’t know what I would do without my faith and my small community!”

That’s what it is all about – walking together on the road and deepening our faith through prayer, the Scriptures, Mass and sacraments, community and service.

Pope Francis puts it this way: “This is a powerful summons to all of us. You need to see the entirety of your life as a mission. Try to do so by listening to God in prayer and recognizing the signs that he gives you. Always ask the Spirit what Jesus expects from you at every moment of your life and in every decision you must make, so as to discern its place in the mission you have received. Allow the Spirit to forge in you the personal mystery that can reflect Jesus Christ in today’s world.”  Amen 

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