Author(s): Msgr Paul Grogan

Spirituality

“Joy is not merely a positive emotion which can be displaced by negative ones, but a settled attribute in the soul.”

Joy comes to us from the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This title in the Living Fruitfully series reflects on the theological foundations for this understanding of the Holy Spirit as the answer to our thirst for joy and looks at the life in the Spirit which makes Christian joy possible.

By drawing on examples of several saints like St Bonaventure, St Margaret Mary Alacoque and St Paul, Monsignor Paul Grogan then helps us to consider three ways in which we can experience such joy: through remaining close to Jesus in prayer; speaking of Jesus to others; and following Jesus according to our personal vocations.