Don't Forget Your Joy

​Get out there and bring your joy! Pope Francis

How simple is that!  When Pope Francis spoke these words he was talking about our work as disciples of Jesus.  He went on to say, “If we are full of Christian joy then we should let our faces know it.”  I love that image.  So many times I muddle my way through the day trying to be a good disciple and I get tangled up in the “work” of it all and miss the “joy” of it all!

Nobody will ever be inspired by a grump!  Who would ever want to be a disciple if all they ever hear is how much work it is, how many committees you have to serve on and how much time it’s going to take. If that’s all I knew of Jesus and discipleship I would probably run as fast as I could in the opposite direction.  Our job as disciples is to bring people to Christ not scare them away or point out how hard we work to be one.  People want to be drawn to Christ not dragged so I suppose it is a good idea every now and again to see if our attitude is one that is drawing, dragging or scaring away.  I guess the even bigger question to ask myself is; would I want to follow me and get involved?

Pope Francis is an inspiration to all Christians because he is a living, breathing demonstration of joy, love, kindness and humility found only in the heart of a servant of the Lord.  He makes us want to follow! I was reminded of a story I heard about a little girl who got in line and followed the kids who were leaving school to go to Religious Ed.  A few weeks later the teacher realized the little girl wasn’t Catholic and asked her why she was going along each week.  Her response was awesome.  She smiled at the teacher and said, “I just wanted to go where they were going and learn what they were learning because when they come back to school they are so happy!” Out of the mouths of babes! It made me stop and ask myself, when was the last time I came out of church and others could see the joy and the happiness bubblin out of me? Jesus hasn’t changed…he is and was and always will be so that led me to the conclusion that it was me who wasn’t always bringing my joy; not him! 

It doesn’t matter what the sermon is like or the music is like or the way the sanctuary is decorated.  The joy of Jesus and discipleship lies in the love he has for us, the mercy he shows us and the grace he freely gives us.  I just need to act like it!  So…pew potatoes unite…let’s get out there and spread the word and bring our joy!

A Seed To Plant: Before you go to church this Sunday, ask God to reveal three things to you that will bring you joy and then take it out the door when you leave and share it.


 Blessings on your day!