08-23-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 23, 2024
The French author, Pierre Coneille, once wrote, “Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of others, but from doing something worthwhile.” In Acts 13:52, we find the disciples “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Paul and Barnabas were struggling to remain faithful, while so many others wanted to see them fail (or see them dead). The joy they knew did not come from success, for they had seen as much failure as they had success. It did not come from applause and adoration, for there was little of that, especially from those who wanted to see them hushed. It came from a faithful sense of purpose, despite everything else happening around them. It came from knowing deep within themselves that they were participating in what God was calling them to do.

I want your joy, O Heavenly Father, not just worldly happiness. Amen.