Why We Need Joy

(photo: Pinterest via Etsy.com)

"Live joyfully!" St. Francis de Sales advises.

In a world so badly in need of joy, we Christians need to live joyfully and share joy with the world.

After all, “Joy is the echo of God’s life in us.” So said Blessed Columba Marmion.

That’s what Easter is all about.

Pope Benedict calls on us to have joy in the Resurrection this Easter season because Christ enters our lives, “bringing joy and peace, life and hope, gifts we need for our human and spiritual rebirth.”

Benedict also encouraged youth to be joyful missionaries for the New Evangelization earlier this month in his address for World Youth Day 2012: “Be enthusiastic witnesses of the New Evangelization! Go to those who are suffering and those who are searching, and give them the joy that Jesus wants to bestow.”

He also said, “Joy is at the heart of Christian experience. In a world of sorrow and anxiety, joy is an important witness to the beauty and reliability of the Christian faith. …

“It is up to you, young followers of Christ, to show the world that faith brings happiness and a joy which is true, full and enduring.”

Over Easter he also reminded the faithful to have “the joy of faith.”

This joy should prompt us to renew our evangelization efforts, too.

After all, as Blessed Mother Teresa said, “Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls; God loves a cheerful giver. Whoever gives with joy gives more.”

Wishing you a joyful and happy Easter!