The Joy of the Gospel
‘The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus’ – Evangelii Gaudium
Readings: Hebrews 7:25-8:6; Mark 3:7-12
The following homily was preached to the student brothers during Compline. You can listen here or read below:
In the Gospel we just heard, we encounter a profound scene filled with a deep longing for healing and hope. Vast crowds flocked to Jesus from as far north as Sidon and south as Jerusalem. They were drawn by the news of a great preacher who teaches with authority, who can heal the sick and the possessed, and who can even forgive sins.
In this passage, we see not only the immense need of the people but also the supreme authority of Jesus which the demons recognise. They prostrated themselves before Him and exclaimed: ‘You are the Son of God’ (Mark 3.11). Their recognition serves as a stark reminder that while we may wrestle with doubt and fear, nothing can stand against the love and authority of our Savior. This is the joy of the Gospel: ‘God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3.16). Our Lord has triumphed over death and sin, and we should rejoice in this truth.
However, this joy is not reserved for the perfect; it is for us all. It is a joy that calls to the broken, the marginalised, and those who see themselves as lost. It is the joy of God’s beloved. This joy is not merely an emotion; it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, flowing from our relationship with God. It invites us to experience His transformative love in our lives and encourages us to share this joy with others.
Yet, we must remember that this joy does not diminish the reality of our suffering. We live in a world filled with pain, confusion, and heartache. Many of us carry heavy burdens—whether physical ailments, emotional distress, or spiritual struggles. The joy of the Gospel does not ignore these realities; rather, it invites us to encounter Jesus in the midst of them. As we reflect on the joy of the Gospel today, let us embrace it as an invitation to seek Christ more deeply. Let us pursue Him with the same fervour as those who pressed in on Him in the Gospel.
May we allow His love to heal our hearts and transform our lives. As we go forth, let us be bearers of this joy. Let us share the hope of the Gospel with those around us, especially with those who are weary and burdened. The joy we find in Christ is a gift meant to be shared—a light that dispels darkness and brings healing to the brokenhearted.
Let us rejoice in the knowledge that in Christ, we have victory over all that seeks to harm us. Let us carry this joy into the world, becoming instruments of His love and peace. In our struggles, may we always find our hope in Him, who has triumphed over death and sin, extending that hope to all we meet.
In a world filled with uncertainty and division, we are called to be bearers of this joy. We are called to be witnesses of the Gospel, sharing the Good News with all not just in word, but in deed. May our lives reflect the joy of the Lord, drawing others to the healing and transformative love found in Him.
Image: The Priory of the Holy Spirit, Oxford, photographed by Br Dominik Eynaud OP.
