The Joy of the Gospel!

Alright, everybody... stop what you're doing and read Pope Francis' new Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium! That is all. Just do it!

**Update: I found this article by Brandon Vogt to be helpful, because it gives a little bit of historical context and explanation! You might want to look over it before you read the document itself.

**Update #2: This thing is long! You may need to pace yourself. I've personally still got about 120 paragraphs to go. So worth it, though! 

"The great danger in today’s world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience. Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades. This is a very real danger for believers too. Many fall prey to it, and end up resentful, angry and listless. That is no way to live a dignified and fulfilled life; it is not God’s will for us, nor is it the life in the Spirit which has its source in the heart of the risen Christ.

"I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord”. The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. Now is the time to say to Jesus: “Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace”. How good it feels to come back to him whenever we are lost!" 

(Evangelii Gaudium 2-3)

"Come Take a Good Look at the Bottom of My Boot..."

So I've mentioned this song before, but I ran across this video the other day and I thought I'd share!

Seriously, can you even handle this level of cuteness??

Besides the fact that this song pretty much already beats Satan up lyrically, I bet this happy, lovey video makes him even madder. Extra victory!! So, feel free to watch on repeat all afternoon. ;)

A Tribute

To all the people in my life who make me laugh:

(No, nothing to do with The Hunger Games! Sorry if the title misled you.)

You keep me moving, alive and persevering: you keep me sane. You generously wield the ability to turn a horrible, mildly bad, or even just bland day around for me, without even knowing it. Making fun of me and/or just spouting off some silly, nonsensical ridiculousness makes me feel happy and very well-loved (kind of similar to keeping a plant well-watered, or a rabbit well-fed). So thanks for contributing to the cause! I appreciate you letting Jesus use you to love me. :)

I know that I may put an inordinate amount of importance on a sense of humor, fun, wit and clever comedic timing. I don't mean to, but thanks for indulging me! I apologize if I've ever made you feel like you have to be funny to be my friend... but it's only partially true! It just so happens that I think God made us all a little weird and quirky and funny, so I simply do my best to bring out the best of it in you! It's a gift (maybe). Oh, and if ever I'm laughing at you, don't be insulted; it's one of my highest compliments, truly. 

I do understand that Christian joy is different than mere fun or a sense of humor... but they can intertwine, yes? It takes humility to laugh at yourself. So you're just helping me grow in holiness! ;) 

Thank you for keeping me from taking myself too seriously! And thank you for helping me to see, when I'm in a funk you may not even know about, that things really aren't that bad. Hopefully, some time or another, I can do the same for you.

"Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!" -Nehemiah 8:10

Alleluia!

This weekend has been particularly off-the-charts insane... but in a very blessed sort of way! So for now I will simply say, happy Easter! I hope that you are filled with oodles and oodles of joy and peace:

"Enjoy in peace the joy God is giving you, without worrying about the future. He is reserving for you, I am sure, new graces and many consolations." 

~St. Therese

God bless!

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This blog soon to be found at setapartblog.blogspot.com

Dude.

Today is just one of those days where I'm so excited! I'm excited about Jesus, ministry, the immense dignity of the human person, relationships that lead to Jesus, working with youth, the goodness of parish life... basically, I'm pretty jazzed up about everything right now!

It's partially a la some fabulous conversations with a dear friend here, partially some talks from the ReBuild My Church youth ministry conference archives, partially from the Scriptures and saint feasts we've had lately, partially the sunshine outside, and also partially the fruit of some spiritual reading. Probably a few other things thrown in the mix, too... coughicedcoffeecoughcough. And a delicious healthy salad! Oh, and of course the lovely coworker that brought me the coughcoughicedcoffeecoughcough.

But mostly, this is just one of those lovely little gifts from God that keeps me going... thank you, Jesus! Today is so glorious.

One of the most fabulous things about this? Today is a Wednesday, which means it's a ministry day here in western, semi-rural Ohio... look out people, I'm about to ooze the joy of the Lord all over you!