Sharing Joy - March 25

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 131, 132, [133]; PM Psalm 140, 142; Jer. 26:1-16; Rom. 11:1-12; John 10:19-42

I was talking with one of our parishioners yesterday.  She called and shared with me the joy of the first time in eleven and half months, her granddaughter visiting and being able to give her a hug.  Her granddaughter had arrived and as she opened the car door, ran to her and gave her a hug.  She called because she just wanted me to know.  She had experienced joy and had to share it.

I’m still thinking about that phone call, and more importantly, how she wanted me to know.  She wanted me to know that something good had happened and she couldn’t be silent.  And I think she believed that her joy would make me joyful as well. It did!

A few hours later, I talked to another parishioner about an exciting new transition in her professional life and her hopes for Birmingham.  She wanted to share the news, and she wanted me to hear it from her before hearing it from someone else.  She wanted to share her joy and excitement and hope for her own life. 

 You almost get the sense that Paul has stumbled upon some great joy in his letter to the Roman’s and he can’t wait to share it. The editor of the NRSV has added exclamation points throughout this passage.  “By no means!”  “How much more will their full inclusion mean! Salvation has come to the Gentiles.” 

A seminary classmate of mine shared a picture on Facebook recently.  It was of her wearing a T-shirt with a crown of thorns that said, ‘Best Day Ever” as well as her supporting the world’s largest grin.  She is a perpetual optimist.  The shirt had changed, “Good Friday” to “Best Day Ever.”   You couldn’t help but smile with her in the picture.  The photo prompting hopeful conversations on evangelism; a message of hope that was better than just good. 

It might be Lent, but today I am thinking of how we have the ability to lift others up with messages of hope.  It spreads and actually changes the vantage point for the receiver. 

I don’t mean to diminish the challenges that life can throw at each of us, and especially the hard work of living out our faith, but even in the hardest of moments, we still have the Good News to share.  Not only does it fundamentally change our lives, but we get to share that same hope for others.  It could change their lives too.  Salvation has come for all!

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection:  What has brought you joy recently?  How have you shared that with other people?  Was it something you celebrated?  Do you consider yourself evangelical? 

Daily Challenge:  No text messages, or emails allowed… Pick up the phone and call someone to share something meaningful, beautiful, and hopeful for no other reason than to bring joy to their life.