Faith and Joy

I feel sure I shall survive and stay with you all, and help you to progress in the faith and even increase your joy in it.
Philippians 1:25

Saint Paul is in prison in Rome and writing a letter to the Church in Philippi, expressing his joy at their success as a Christian community.  Even though life or death are the same in Christ for Paul, his hope is to return to Philippi and further increase their faith and joy.

Faith and Joy.  To Saint Paul these were two sides of the same coin.  The two went with each other and could not be separated.  Even as a prisoner in Rome, Paul exemplified faith and joy.  It was his prayer for the Church.  Faith and joy originally attracted me to the Church.  I met people who had these qualities and it was something I also wanted.  Today I choose to let these virtues be my hallmark, that people may look and say, "I want whatever he's got".

Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of faith you have given me.  Let joy be the sign of my faith today, for your glory.
Saint Paul, please pray for me.