Joy in the Life of a Follower of St. Benedict

<p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Our world and our Church are in dire need of joy - genuine Christian joy. Besieged with a persistent pandemic cruel warfare frequent violent crimes and all sorts of discouraging reports in the media people - and even we Christians - may be tempted to throw our hands up in despair cynicism and grumbling. It is hard to be joyful amid so many oppressive situations.</span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>And yet amid all this real Christian joy is possible. This good news is proclaimed by the Gospels all the Scriptures and the Rule of St. Benedict. In particular the Rule asserts that a monk should offer his sacrifices during Lent with joy. It also prescribes that a monk's life should be a continuous Lent. Therefore a monk - or any Christian - can and should live in joy at all times. This joy is not a superficial happiness or a succession of pleasant thoughts. It does not depend on circumstances. Rather it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and a virtue a gift that is ever available and that one can learn to receive with gratitude. It is rooted in the Passion Death and Resurrection of Christ and His unconditional love. </span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>It is hoped that this book will by God's grace help to open some people's hearts and minds to the joy that is available to them. Then perhaps this joy may begin to pervade the attitudes of more and more people; begin to flow out into love peace patience and the other fruits of the Holy Spirit; and begin to overcome the domain of misery and gloom in our needy world.</span></p>