During his homily at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis explained that the “strength we have to make change, to preach the Gospel, to move forward as witnesses to life, is the joy of the Lord, which is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.”
POPE FRANCIS
Because, as Paul says to the Galatians, “joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.” It is not a consequence of emotions that erupt because of something wonderful. No. It's more than that. This joy that fills us is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, one cannot have this joy. Receiving the joy of the Spirit is a grace.
He also said today is a great time to read the final paragraphs of Paul VI's exhortation, “Evangelii nuntiandi,” in which he talks about joyful Christians and preachers of the Gospel, and not about those who seem disheartened.
