I was struck in today’s first reading from Nehemiah where those hearing the word of God are urged to be joyful. Celebrate. That’s not always the case in the Old Testament. Do I feel joy when I hear the word of God? Do I feel guilt that I haven’t measured up? Or guilt that I let my mind wander in Mass and I wasn’t really listening? I certainly feel joy during a wedding Mass or at a baptism when we celebrate a couple’s vows to each other or celebrate a new life in the church.

I often pray or turn to God’s word when I am not in a joyful place. I pray for my family and my friends going through hard times. I pray for people suffering around the world. I pray for migrants and refugees. In those moments, even though I am not joyful, I exhale and I am in the moment. I know I can let go and let God. I do sense that God is with me, even though I know he is always with me. Perhaps that sense is a quiet joy, that sense of being in the moment and at peace.

Peace is the theme of the gospel as Luke relates the story of Jesus sending out the 72 to spread his word. It won’t be easy. Not a lot of joy there as he compares them to the lambs among the wolves. We each carry the message of the gospel to the world by our actions and our example. How do I bring a message of joy and peace to those around me – my family, my colleagues, the people I meet every day? I sometimes feel like a lamb among the wolves in the choices I am struggle with and whether I live out the gospel. I pray today that I can find the joy in my relationship with God and the world and live out that joy and peace in my life.