Job's life had a happy ending when he was blessed even more than in his earlier days (Jb 42:12). Jesus' disciples were also happy because even the demons were subject to them in Jesus' name (Lk 10:17). Yet a greater reason to be happy than blessings and power is the fact that our "names are inscribed in heaven" (Lk 10:20).
We who have surrendered our lives to Jesus have reason to be happier than the richest, most popular, and most talented people in the world. Even in our worst trials we should be happier than other people in their joys. God became man and died on the cross for us. We're new creations (2 Cor 5:17) on our way to perfect, eternal happiness. We're forgiven, freed, healed, and empowered. We're actually children of God; God Himself – the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit – even lives within us.
The Lord has done everything to make us the happiest people in the world. "Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice!" (Phil 4:4)
| PRAYER: | "I offer You praise, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because what You have hidden from the learned and the clever You have revealed to the merest children" (Lk 10:21). |
| PROMISE: | "No one knows the Son except the Father and no one knows the Father except the Son – and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him." –Lk 10:22 |
| PRAISE: | St. Bruno was a great teacher of theology. One of his students, Urban, later became a pope. Another, Hugh de Chateauneuf, became a canonized saint. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College