Joy is prayer. Joy is strength. Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. - Mother Teresa

As the Holiday Season approaches, let us welcome it with a beautiful image of JOY from Mother Teresa.

Joy is prayer...
What does this mean to you? How is your prayer joyful? Are you giving thanks in what you see every day, finding the little blessings that God is providing to you? When we're getting stressed, bent out of shape about family, friends, gifts, money, trees, decorations, and time management, let us challenge ourselves to stop, find just the slightest moment of joy, and pray.

Joy is strength...
Being filled with joy, a true, genuine moment of joy, is not always easy. It can almost mean admitting we have moments of weakness for us to find strength, and to find joy in that strength can pose a challenge. The strength comes from within. The joy comes from a sense of accomplishment in realizing that you are strong enough to handle whatever comes your way; and the strength comes from realizing how your joy fulfills you.

Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls...
Have you ever stood in the presence of another who is truely filled with joy? It is contageous! Their soul radiates a glory and energy, and in turn extends an invitation to all other souls to join in the celebration. Pure joy creates a net of love that will filter any darkness, and that is what truely captures the soul.

When you find joy, pray. As you're praying, find strength in that prayer of joy. Dare to invite others to share in that joy, and envelope yourself in Christ's love.