Friday | May 10, 2024
John 16:22
But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
St. John of Avila, St. Damien de Veuster
Hearts Will Rejoice
Today, the Church celebrates and honors St. John of Avila and St. Damien de Veuster. Although these men lived three centuries apart and halfway around the world from each other, they both lived lives after God’s own heart. They oriented themselves toward the Gospel amid the severe challenges of this earthly existence. It is through their respective examples that we can see holiness and piety as tenable goals.
God may not be calling us to intense theological study like he did for John of Avila or to serve those suffering in leper colonies as he did for Damien de Veuster. But what God is calling us to is an openness to his holy will. After all, it is in living our true vocation, according to God’s call, that our hearts will be enlivened and joyful.
Lord Jesus, prepare our minds and hearts not only for your return but also to appreciate all that you give us meanwhile.
- Mr. Justin McClain, O.P.
Acts 18:9-18 • Psalm 47:2-7 • John 16:20-23
