Being Joyful Ambassadors

“Joy is prayer, joy is strength, joy is love, joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” -St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
 
Throughout history, mankind has endured plagues, wars, and all sorts of crises that threaten our existence and make the day to day seem unbearable.  In these past several months, the world has experienced the global effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic.  Our country is also facing ramped up civil unrest.  However, as Christians we are called to persevere with joy. As James 1:2-4 exhorts us: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance and perseverance must complete its work so that you will become fully developed, complete, not deficient in any way.”  We can look back over two millennia and witness the hope that has always been present in the darkest of circumstances.  Over and over, God our merciful Father remains with us, equips us with strength, and encourages us to dwell with Him in order to endure all things with joy. Furthermore, we have many examples of holy men and women who have stood steadfast in faith through great trials as joyful ambassadors of God’s love and mercy. 
 
During these times, I have felt the pangs of doubt, discouragement, and fear.  I am completely aware of my smallness and my vulnerability. I keenly recognize that I need help so that I can find peace amidst hardship and uncertainty, and I daily choose to pray for guidance and courage to walk in faith. I am grateful for parents who raised me in the Church, taught me the power of prayer, and nurtured me in an environment of faith.  I am grateful for my parish family who stand together to build up the Body of Christ in our community.  I am grateful for a stalwart husband who shows me daily how to immerse myself in the loving arms of Jesus by attending Mass, reading Scripture, praying devotions, and asking for the divine blanket of protection and provision that only comes from Him.  I am grateful for my married children who witness their sacramental love to all by living their marriage covenant. I am grateful for children who share their gifts to fill our home with laughter, creativity, and beauty. I am grateful for grandchildren who are joyful and full of curiosity and excitement and so easily make me forget about the troubles of the world. I know that I am puny, weak, and small, but God made me for love and reminds me through all these people—and many more—that He is always with us, giving us what we need to gallantly march through the nitty gritty of life. This gives me cause for great joy!
 
How we behave determines the success of our mission as ambassadors for Jesus. We are told in Scripture to remain in God and to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit to navigate the messiness of this life.  We are commanded to love God, others, and ourselves no matter the circumstances. The fruit of living in love is a joyful countenance.  When we practice surrendering our doubts and fears and choose to act in faith and love, peace is a direct outcome.  When we live out of an attitude of peace, we are unbound and able to exhibit joy in all things.  St. Teresa of Avila encourages us: “Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you, all things are passing, God never changes. Patient endurance attains to all things.  Whoever possesses God is wanting in nothing; God alone suffices.” 
 
As Christians, we are called to be the living reflection of our Lord and Savior.  As we traverse this particularly troubling time, we strive to be beacons of hope to those despairing, lost, and without a foundation of faith.  We are all commissioned to share the love and mercy of God to all we come in contact with.  It is not a suggestion, but a mandate from our baptism. No matter how inadequate we think we are, if we surrender to God’s will, He will supply all we need to make any situation bearable and even joyful.  There may be uncertainty, strife, devastation and hardship around us, but the heart of Jesus, who is all love, is within the soul of each of us. We are called to make it manifest through our acts of kindness, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and service.  Each of us, one individual at a time, has the power to bring peace and joy to others as we continue to navigate the day to day. Below are some practical tips for remaining steadfast in faith and witnesses of joy:

1. Pray often – surrendering your will and your apprehensions to put on the armor of Christ.
2. Read and digest Scripture daily for wisdom and to grow in holy virtue.
3. Attend Mass and receive the sacraments as frequently as possible to obtain grace.
4. Engage in positive conversation and shun any negative thoughts or discussion.
5. Take care of your body, mind, and spirit by eating well, getting adequate sleep, and recreating in nature.
6. Learn to smile with your eyes—a mask hides much of the rest of your face, and a smile is a gift beyond words.
7. Practice all of these daily because practice brings us closer to perfection!

Together, each of us mere mortals can build an environment of joy—a joy which will make all the difference in our hurting world.

Susan A. Fowler was born and raised in Maryland and has been a lifelong Catholic actively involved in parish ministries for over 43 years. She has been married for 40 years, raised 6 children with her husband, and currently resides in Georgia.

---