Even though icons and holy cards often depict the saints and the entire Holy Family with a miserable scowl on their unhealthy looking faces, the truth is that the saints lived in God’s presence and in His joy. St. Francis of Assisi is the most famous, joyful saint. Look at our pope, whose name sake is Francis; his very countenance radiates authenticity, kindness, joy and the love of God.
Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, not a gift given to a select few but a by-product of living in the Spirit. Sacred Scriptures exhort us to trust and embrace the joy of the Lord.
The very first time my husband heard holy laughter was 26 years ago while making a retreat at the famous Trappist monastery near Oka in Quebec. He was walking quietly down a hallway, trying to be silent and unobtrusive when a monk threw…
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