They are lights of happiness.

Good morning, happy Friday, and blessings.

Today's Gospel (John 16: 20-23a) puts us back to reflecting on joys and sorrows when we are in Christ. I want to contrast it with what Paul says to the church of Rome in his pastoral letter (Romans 14:17): For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

That, in brief, is what Paul wrote to Christians of strong faith who were tempted to flaunt their freedom in Christ in front of others. This refers to those who boldly eat meat, drink wine, or choose not to observe the Sabbath in the presence of those of weaker faith who feel convictions about those issues.

Such "weak in faith" (Romans 14:1–2) believers could be harmed by their example. By tempting them to violate their conscience, such actions become a "stumbling block" to brothers and sisters in Christ. It is interesting, these people who believe in Jesus instead of enjoying and appreciating their salvation are plotting hatred and contempt trying to destroy the lives of their brothers and sisters. It is an attitude where what matters is: I am not happy, and you are not going to be happy either. How much bitterness!

Paul reminds the Christian believer that they didn't come to faith in Christ just to eat meat and drink wine or live in sadness. Those freedoms from the restrictions of the law are real and meaningful, but they are not the point of the kingdom of God. There are other benefits: we receive God's declaration that we are righteous in His eyes because of our faith in Christ. We experience both peace and joy because of God's Holy Spirit with us. In other words, our place with God is secure, and that brings real emotional stability, confidence, and happiness. We need to enjoy the emotion of salvation. We rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory (1 Peter 1:8). If you’re a Christian, the Spirit gives you soaring delight in Christ. Her beauty and greatness thrill your soul. But quite a few believers struggle to experience joy.

Do you know that there are people who do not enjoy their salvific liberation relationship with Jesus? They live resentfully and courageously and often do not even know why. In my opinion the biggest poisonous practices continue to be connected to the inability to forgive. Do you know that forgiving people are happier than unforgiving or resentful people? When someone you care about hurts you, you can hold on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge, or embrace forgiveness and move forward. Unforgiveness is the single most popular poison that destroy God’s people, and it is one of the deadliest poisons a person can take spiritually.

Happiness in Christ is one of our most powerful evangelistic tools. With happiness we become better disciples to serve. Don't forget, I am discipling each moment with the joy that I let all people see about my relationship with Jesus. People are drawn to Christ when they see true happiness in his followers and are pushed away when they see us chronically unhappy. Your challenge for today is: let people see Jesus in my happiness.

Blessings

Fr. Luis+