The truth shall make you smile

Apr 16, 2014 at 10:47 am

Have you ever met someone who has an ongoing joyful and peaceful disposition even in the midst of a personal crisis? They often draw others to them as if they have classified information; perhaps even the secret to life. Those of us who take notice often say, “I will have a serving of whatever they are having!”

When I look at a picture of Pope Francis, whether it appears on a magazine cover, in a newspaper or online, I can’t help notice the twinkle in his eye. Amidst the great humility, holiness and intelligence of the Holy Father there is also a look of “have I got good news for you!”

Yes, we know that Pope Francis is dealing with major issues in our church. As the leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide, he has had to step up and make changes in areas such as the Vatican Bank to reflect the teachings of Jesus. No doubt, it takes courage, determination and a lot of prayers to stand in the world’s limelight admit our failings and restructure a broken system.

The Holy Father also has a front-row seat to great suffering through poverty and illness on earth and the imbalance of wealth between first-world and third-world nations. Most of us would wear our broken hearts on our sleeves if we carried the responsibility to help Catholics respond as Jesus to this human crisis. Yet, there is a sense of fearlessness and hope that he brings to each situation.

One of the simplest clues Pope Francis gave as an indication to his attitude and demeanor was in a tweet on Jan. 30, 2014. He states: “I cannot imagine a Christian who does not know how to smile. May we joyfully witness our faith.” An unassuming testimony to the truth, wouldn’t you say?

How is Pope Francis able to embody this message and have people globally respond so positively? I believe it is his faith in and love for Jesus as Lord and savior, his promise to fulfill his baptismal call as a disciple of Jesus, and his commitment to serve and uplift Christ’s church as the vehicle for helping to bring about God’s reign. Though the Holy Father definitely has a different vantage point than you and I, we are still able to embody this message in our homes, parishes and communities.

This weekend you and I have the privilege of celebrating the very heart of what makes a Christian smile. Easter is the most important and holiest of days for us. It is the reason that we can remain hopeful and joyful even in the midst of some of our darkest moments. It is the time when God went head-to-head with death and won! Jesus secured eternal life for us. Knowing and believing this should not only put a twinkle in our eyes but in essence cause us to smile with our very lives.

For you and me as Christian stewards, this weekend will be the reminder of why we are called to be joyfully generous with our time in prayer, our talents in serving and our treasure in sharing. The paschal mystery is truly the driving force behind our delight and a “way of life” that honors this truth.

Recently, I came across a Charlie Brown cartoon in which he and Snoopy were holding hands and doing the “happy dance.” Written on the panel was Psalm 30:12-13: You have changed my mourning into dancing; you took off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness. With my whole being I sing endless praise to you. O Lord, my God, forever I will give you thanks.

It made me think that maybe we should start a new Easter morning tradition in our homes. Immediately when we get out of bed, before we go to Mass or to celebrate with family members, we should smile, thank Jesus for what he gave for us and proceed to do our own version of the “happy dance.” Actually, imagine if we did that every day? We might just become one of those people with a twinkle in our eye who draws others to Jesus not only by our joy but by the way we love and live the joy. I think I might even teach our grandchildren the “Easter morning happy dance!”

Spread the good news! Jesus is risen! Alleluia!

Otto is Stewardship and Special Projects director for the diocesan Stewardship and Pastoral Services Department.

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