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Saturday, January 12, 2002

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St. Marguerite Bourgeoys
(Canada)


1 John 5:14-21
Psalm 149
John 3:22-30

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lasting joy at last

"The groom's best man waits there listening for Him and is overjoyed to hear His voice. That is my joy, and it is complete." —John 3:29

Tomorrow we end the Christmas season. The Lord has saved one of the best Christmas presents for last, that is, the gift of joy. The Lord wants to give us His complete joy (Jn 15:11), "inexpressible joy" (1 Pt 1:8), joy which is the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22), under any circumstances and forever (see Phil 4:4).

The Spirit produces the fruit of joy in us by giving us a humility in which we rejoice to listen to Jesus (Jn 3:29). In humility, the desire of our hearts is for Jesus to increase and us to decrease (Jn 3:30). In humility and unselfishness (see Phil 4:5), we rejoice in the Lord always (Phil 4:4). We rejoice in our sufferings and even find our joy in them (Col 1:24; 1 Pt 4:13).

Throughout the Christmas season, we have sung "Joy to the World." Let there be joy on earth, and let it begin with each one of us. On this last day of Christmas, come, Holy Spirit of humility and joy! Alleluia!

Prayer:  Father, remove from me the attitudes and habits which rob me of joy.

Promise:  "We have this confidence in God: that He hears us whenever we ask for anything according to His will." —1 Jn 5:14

Praise:  St. Marguerite came to Canada and found that many children died in early childhood. She not only worked with families and hospitals to keep these young children alive, but she and her religious sisters then taught these children the faith in her schools after they had grown.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, May 30, 2001


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 4, 2001