With Opened Bible
Joy!
“Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel!” (Zephania 3:14)
On this third Sunday of Advent, the Word of God invites us to joy. But what is joy? In the Bible, it is considered a divine gif to humanity and is encouraged by religious verses. Joy in the Bible is deeply rooted in Christianity and integral to biblical teachings. Joy is one of the most essential expressions of the Christian life and is often associated with concepts such as love, truth, faith, and forgiveness. These attributes are necessary to leading a rich and fulfilling life. Bible verses that deal with joy are an important reminder for believers of joy's benefits to our daily lives. The Bible contains many verses that evoke joy and encourage people to find happiness in their faith in God. In the letter to the Galatians, joy comes from the Spirit. (Cf. Galatians 5:22)
In our spiritual journey towards the Birth of Christ, joy accompanies our faith and encourages us to stay on the path of truth. Saint Paul makes this grace a refrain that must resonate daily in the heart of the believer: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4) Jesus reveals to us that true joy goes hand in hand with revealed truth: "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." (John 15:11) The spiritual joy that we need so much is linked to conversion. That is what Saint Luke helps us discover in this Sunday's Gospel. Those who listened to the Baptst were in search of joy and freedom. However, only conversion, change of behavior, and mentality could give it to them. To the queston: what should we do? The prophet replied: "Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise... "Stop collecting more than what is prescribed...
"Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages." (Luke 3,10-18) In a word, all those who practice justice will be in joy. On this Sunday of joy (Gaudete in Latin), may the Holy Spirit, the source of all joy, inspire us to practice good and celebrate the birth of the Messiah with a renewed heart.
