Fr. John Catoir
. . . Messenger of Joy
. . . Messenger of Joy
| + + + + + Julian of Norwich wrote these inspired words, "The greatest honor we can give to Almighty God, greater than all our sacrifices and mortifications, is to live gladly, joyfully, because of the knowledge of His love." Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could do that? Of course it would, and we can. Jesus wants us to. Remember His words at the Last Supper, "I have told you all these things that your joy may be full." John 15:11. St. Paul echoed the Lord's teaching when he said, "Rejoice always, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." I Cor. 5:16 The question before us therefore, is not whether such a life is possible, but how can we attain it? And the answer is found in the words of Jesus. He gives us the secret, but we must act on it. When He speaks, we must not only listen, but obey. For instance, when Jesus says, "Be of good cheer. Though it is true, in this world you will have many troubles, always remember, I have overcome the world. " John 16:33. If you really listen to these words in a spirit of obedience, you will want to lift up your drooping spirit. Faith is not merely a matter of pious devotions, true faith is found in the degree of one's determination to obey the Lord. Jesus emphasized this point, "If you love Me, and obey Me, I will ask the Father and He will give you a Comforter, and He will never leave you. " John 14:15,16. This Comforter is none other than the Holy Spirit. "The fruit of the Spirit is joy."Gal. 5:2 Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit. + + + + + |
| Saint Pope John Paul II asked me to become a "Messenger of Joy." In fact, he gave these remarks on October 2, 1979, in Harlem: "Christ came to bring joy: joy to children, joy to parents, joy to families, and to friends, joy to workers and to scholars, joy to the sick and to the elderly, joy to all humanity. In a true sense, joy is the keynote of the Christian message and the recurring motif of the Gospels […] Go, therefore, and become Messengers of Joy." But how many people have never known this joy? They feed on emptiness and tread the paths of despair. And we need not look to the far ends of the earth for them. They live in our neighborhoods, they walk down our streets, they may even be members of our own families. They live without true joy because they live without hope. They live without hope because they have never heard, really heard, the Good News of Jesus Christ, because they have never met a brother or sister who touched their lives with the love of Jesus and lifted them up from their misery. We must go to them therefore as messengers of hope. We must bring to them the witness of true joy." -Pope John Paul II, Oct. 2, 1979. Harlem. + + + + + We are called -- each of us -- to be messengers of joy to others. Genuine faith therefore, listens to the words of Jesus, and takes them to heart. When Jesus says "Cheer up," you must snap yourself out of the doldrums. Guard your mind against negative thinking. Reject every sign of self-pity. What is the psychology behind all this? It is this: the thoughts you allow yourself to think will always determine the state of your emotional life. As thunder follows lightening, so will painful emotions follow negative thinking. Therefore think of the good you've done, not the bad; think of the love you've received not the hate; think of the laughter you've shared, not the tears. Focus on God's unchanging Love, and be grateful in all circumstances. Since it pleases God to see you enjoy your precious life, why not make this effort? Live joyfully because of the knowledge of His love. To do so you must will it. Jesus says, "Be not afraid. " Luke, 12:4. So you must cancel all those fearful thoughts which cause you emotional pain. If you don't know how to accomplish this, then turn your life over to the Lord and ask Him to do it for you. Pray as if everything depended on God, and act as if everything depended on you. Joy is the byproduct of listening to and obeying the words of Jesus. Joy is also the byproduct of our intimacy with the indwelling Trinity. "Rejoice with those who rejoice, be sad with those who sorrow. Treat everyone with equal kindness. Never be condescending, but make real friends with the poor. Let everyone know you are interested in the highest ideals." Romans 12:15. + + + + + I hope these words help you to find your higher calling. I hope you are drawn into the joy and love of Jesus Christ in your own life. "Go, therefore, and become messengers of joy!" -- Fr. John Catoir, JCD |
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| Remarks by Fr. John Catoir on starting this website (2012): |
"Welcome to my web site. Believe it or not
I'm on the web so that your joy may be full.
Actually, we have so much for which to be
grateful. If you think about it, every single
thing we own or have has been given to
us as a gift. The earth, plants and flowers,
all of nature, family & friends.
The only thing we have that we can give
back to God, really, is our trust in His love
and His mercy. So why aren't we more
joyful?"
I'm on the web so that your joy may be full.
Actually, we have so much for which to be
grateful. If you think about it, every single
thing we own or have has been given to
us as a gift. The earth, plants and flowers,
all of nature, family & friends.
The only thing we have that we can give
back to God, really, is our trust in His love
and His mercy. So why aren't we more
joyful?"
| (Above) His first website in 2012 designed by Patricia Maritn, Martin Media, Dallas. www.johncatoir.com |
| His first media blog was designed by Marc DeVinck, California and updated by Marie Hantak. Messengerofjoy.com |