christian joy will forever be an enigma. it is the courage that enabled the martyrs like ignatius of antioch and lawrence of rome to bear lions’ teeth and scorching fire with light hearts. it is the joy that enabled st paul to say, “rejoice always,” (phil 4, 4). [...] for our joy is the very mystery of our god choosing to abide in us; choosing to be with us. a latin father of the church sums up our reflection on the christian posture of the heart this gaudete sunday: “there is no suffering in love, and if ever there is, it is loved” (augustine).
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