Joy Reveals Values

May 30 Friday of the 6th week of Easter:
A thought for those who want to reveal the risen Jesus in their lifestyle.

Acts 18:9-18; Psalm 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; John 16:20-23

“You will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices.” Acts 16:20

Christians bear witness to the values of Jesus by what they rejoice in and mourn over.

The “world” of secular culture rejoices over victories in war—which amounts to dancing on the bodies of the dead. The “world” rejoices when criminals are executed—while the Father weeps for his children. The “world” rejoices in prosperity—closing its eyes to the plight of the poor. The “world” rejoices in social acceptance, in exclusive neighborhoods and clubs, oblivious to the rejected and excluded.  The “world” rejoices in winning, forgetting that “winners” are alw

ays matched by “losers.” The list goes on.

Except for the first two, none of the above is evil. But none should be accepted without some visible regret. Christians see with both eyes; the “world” only with one.

The same is true of mourning: “When a woman has given birth, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.” When Jesus rose from the dead, he saw the pain of his crucifixion as joy. When the apostles were flogged for proclaiming Jesus, they “rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name” (Acts 5:41). There are two sides to both joy and pain. The “prophets” see both.

And express what they see.

PRAY: “Lord, open my mind, and I will proclaim your truth.”

PRACTICE: Open both of your eyes.