Joy or kill-joy

Day 24.   Of the Happy and the Vain Religious.   Blessed is that religious who feels no pleasure, or joy, save in most holy conversation and the works of the Lord. Who by these means leads others in joy and gladness to the love of God. Woe to that religious who takes delight in idle and vain words.  Who by this means, provokes others to laughter.

Joy or kill-joy?   It is to our credit when we spend time with the Lord, in our own room, even in our hearts if it is not possible to withdraw from our busy world.   St. Paul tells the Ephesians to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (and) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18 NIV   And like our Saviour, we can teach others to pray, lead others to the joy knowledge and love of Christ brings. Yet does that mean that this is our only joy?   Do we not take joy in creation? Even though God created it and has given it into our charge. Are we not to be joyful at the birth of a new baby, or when we get top marks in a subject we find difficult?   Even those called to active lives in religion need to have fun otherwise we will not be healthy people, will not have balanced lives – and will be useless to others.   Do not kill joy, laughter is good medicine,   “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4: 8,9 NIV