The Joy of the Gospel
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS

In 2014, I read an exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel,” at the start of Advent by Pope Francis. Unfortunately, I cannot find it anymore (on the Vatican website).

He wrote: “Catholics come out of Church and so often they look as if they just came from a funeral. Often, the only thing they smile about is that it is time to go to brunch or lunch. There is every reason to smile - Catholics receive Holy Communion, the Eucharist, within 10 minutes of the end of Mass, so JOY is innermost in their minds. Right? Think about it. If you haven't done so already, thank Jesus for His tremendous Gift to you! Pass that newfound joy to others.” The other day, after Mass, I was thinking about this too.

If you have a scowl on your face, it would be pretty hard to tell others about the joy of receiving Him, a good reason to tell others what Jesus has done for you, and to pass on your joy to other people. So wipe that unhappy look off your face!

Be "Disciples", specifically, Missionary Disciples. When you come out of Church, you are His ambassadors, His Disciples. Start with smiling to other people, sharing their joy, and while you are speaking to others, look them in the eye. Pope Francis says "If we wish to lead a dignified and fulfilling life, we have to reach out to others and seek their good." Despite being a Franciscan, I am not someone who easily reaches out to others. I love a lot of people whom I have gotten to know, but they don't know that, because I never advertise it. It is important that they know, so that they feel welcomed and so I can share my joy. The joy that comes from the Holy Spirit.

Franciscans reach out, and they are good at it. I've been a Franciscan for 31 years, but I have still so much to learn. I'm formation director in my fraternity and that is a tough job when reaching out does not come natural. So pray for me, that I will get better at it. Evangelization does not come natural to the average Catholic. Many older Catholics, who were baptized since birth, fall in that period that began before Vatican II. In fact, Vatican II began when I was in my early 20's, so I recall the times before that. It wasn't until well after Vatican II that "evangelization" became a frequent concept for Catholics. And most didn't get into it, if they did at all, until about 15 years later. People are too busy in their lives with family, and social obligations. They reason that the Church will deal with that, but the Church has had it's ups and downs too, it isn't until recently that seminary numbers are beginning to rise a little. So much Faith-sharing is being done by avid Catholics, people who are "with it", and eager to share the good News of Jesus Christ. It didn't help that I was away from the Church for 24 years after I came out of Military Service. I am very "with it" now.

 

Peace and Good,

   Fred Schaeffer, OFS

   Feb., 2015 revised Feb. 3, 2025

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