Photo: Patrick Ruiz
After Conference, I had struggled to describe my experience because no particular aspect of the event stood out to me. However, a few days later after sharing with some friends, a sister had described it perfectly in one word: joyful. I did not realize it until after conference, but simple joy is what had been lacking in my life. I had been searching for so much knowledge and wisdom, that the Lord had brought me back to the basics, to be joyful.
These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in You, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:11)
I had arrived Wednesday afternoon, but it was not until Friday morning after worship with the brothers who I had stayed with at our host house (shout out to the Ganaden family), that I started to rediscover that bit of joy and excitement. The previous night at recollection, Kuya Lawrence Quintero emphasized that each day we wake up should be a reason to be joyful and to celebrate simply because we have a relationship with God and He woke us up. Staying in a house with 15 other brothers, we were all able to bond together in faith through the jokes, laughter, stories, and tears (because of laughter). The hospitable joy of Tito Obet and Tita Ching Ganaden, despite having 15 strangers in their house, also inspired me.
This joy that I had rediscovered multiplied throughout the weekend, not only because of the atmosphere and environment of this community, but it was also enhanced in serving with the Documentation Team. I can honestly say I have never had this much fun in service, and I always have fun. As stressful as things may have gotten for some of the service team, everyone stayed positive and continued to serve fully and with joy. A GroupMe (group messaging app) chat was created during that weekend in order for us to communicate, but to this day it is still active. Keeping in contact with one another serves as a reminder of that joy we all experienced, and to continue living out that same Christian joy.
Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God within” (Cardinal Timothy Dolan)
If we are going to preach and live the Gospel, we must do so with joy. Naturally, people will be attracted to those who are joyful as they themselves want to experience whatever joy that person is feeling. The main source of our joy is the manifestation of God in us which we should not hesitate to express! A great example of that simple joy has been Pope Francis in his pontificate. Many people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, have been captivated by the joy that he exudes.
Let us contemplate on the Joyful mysteries of the Holy Rosary, so that we may all discover and live out the joy of the Holy Spirit within us.
Mama Mary, cause of our joy, pray for us!
To God be the Glory.
Jeff Adolfo, CFC-Youth Pacific Region
