Healing, Liberating, World-Saving Joy

Beloved in Christ,

In my homily for the three Chrism Masses held this week across the diocese (a traditional Holy Week liturgy where the holy oil, or chrism, used in baptism is consecrated and clergy renew their ordination vows), I spoke about how, in an age marked by anger, scorn, and division, joy is an act of revolution. The purpose of the church is to cultivate an alternative economy that trades in joy and love. While happiness, or feeling good, depends on our circumstances, joy grows from keeping our eyes fixed on the promises of God, and soaking ourselves daily in God’s goodness. You can read the whole homily here. 

We are an Easter people, who affirm that God’s loving kindness is the most powerful force in the universe, and not even death can stop love’s healing balm from flooding and renewing the whole creation. The key of Easter is rejoicing, and joy is contagious and irresistible. So as we look upon the powers of evil and death squarely and soberly once again this week, and remember how they are swallowed up forever by loves unstoppable power, we are sent out to spread healing, liberating, world-saving joy with every moment of our living.

Grace and Peace, 

The Right Rev. Craig Loya