The source of Joy in Christan life

Gospel Thoughts

*Easter Season : 5th Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 15:9-11*

*First Reading - Acts 15:7-21*

*The source of Joy in Christan life*

*1) Commandments are the foundation of Joy*

All of us want to be joyful in life. No body wants to remain in sadness 

Jesus tells us that the commandments are the foundation of Joy in Christian life 

One who follows the commandments of the Lord, can never be sad, rather he/she will always be joyful in life. 

Faithfulness to the commandments automatically, creates a feeling of joyfulness in our life 

*2) Commandments leads to Love, and Love leads to joyfulness*

The following of the commandments of the Lord, creates the power of Love 

Love for God and Love for the neighbour 

Since all the commandments are either directed towards God or towards the neighbour, one can not observe the commandments of the Lord, unless one has love of God and love of the Neighbour

So we can say commandments create the power of Love and the power of Love, makes us to observe the commandments of the Lord. 

The fruit of the Power of Love is joyfulness in ones life. So Love ultimately helps us to be joyful in our life

*3) The Qualification of Love : As the Father Loves me*

When we speak about love, which helps us to be joyful in life, the Source of this Love is the Heavenly Father 

Jesus says *As the Father has loved me, so I love you, remain in my love*

So what is the speciality of this Love 

John 3:16 Says, *God so loved the World that He gave only Son*

God's Love is unconditional

God's love is unselfish

God's love is sacrificial

God's love is supreme 

God's love is complete giving 

God's love is sharing what He needed most (His beloved Son)

God's love is saving 

God's love is freedom from the slavery of Sin 

God's love is other centred approach 

God's love is salvific 

God's love is having character of agape 

God's love taking highest risk for the sake of human beings/other 

God's love is healing 

So we need to remain is such love, which will really create the power of joyfulness in our life 

*4) A Christian is a one who is Joyful*

Sadness is not the characteristic of a Christian

We need to be always cheerful and joyful in love 

Only those who are joyful in their life will be able to serve others and able to build the kingdom of God 

Sadness will always take our courage and hope, which in turn will affect us very badly in living our Christian life 

One who is able to live in a joyful way, even in the midst of problems, crisis, failures, challenges, is a real Christian

*5) What about my Life? 

Am I a joyful person or a person with always projecting sadness in life?

What are the things affect in my life the power of joyfulness? 

What are the things those take away my joy in daily life? 

What can I do to live a life which is filled with joy in all the situations? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*