Joy

Homily for Thursday of the 1st Week in Lent

Ever since the publication of Pope Francis is apostolic exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel,” I have become more aware of how often joy is expressed in the Scriptures. Though the word itself only appears once in today’s readings in the Gospel verse, the overwhelming expressions of the psalmist who wrote Psalm 138 clearly signal the joy of the author. The psalmist claims that is filled with joy because the Lord has heard is a cry, because of God’s kindness and truth, because God has built up his strength, and because God has saved him from those who plot against him.

Consequently, I would like to suggest that today’s mindfulness trigger be the word “joy.” Let us pray throughout this day that God will restore the joy that we find in our salvation through our Lenten discipline. Lent is not a time for gloom, for dwelling on guilt and shame, or for giving into sorrow. What could be more joyful than returning to the Lord and renewing our trust in God’s providential care!