Thoughts
Lately the world (even the secular media) has been abuzz about popes. Rome was overwhelmed by pilgrims from around the globe who came to witness the canonizations of John XXIII and John Paul II. Pope Francis is one of the most searched people on the internet and is constantly “trending” on Twitter.  The world is enamored with these three men because of their obvious joy.  All three have exuded the joy that comes from living the faith in love. Joy is not merely an emotion.  It is often a decision.  We will be joyful when we embrace the Gospel message.  Even the greatest agony of all, the crucifixion of Christ, is the cause of the greatest joy – the resurrection, our salvation and our eternal happiness in heaven.
Challenge
Embrace the truth: all pain and sadness is fleeting and you are destined for eternal happiness.  Embrace “joy.” Regardless of how you “feel,” listen to others patiently, smile, and speak a kind word.  Give thanks for all the good in your life and in the world.  In this Easter season, focus on the joy exhibited by the apostles in the stories contained in the Acts of the Apostles as they met the Risen Christ and proclaimed Him to others, regardless of persecution, hardship or even death.
Go Deeper
+ During the remaining weeks of the Easter Season, read the Acts of the Apostles (a little bit every day).  Click HERE to download a Bible app for your computer or phone
+ Free full length video about John Paul II: Karol the Pope the Man
+ Great book about John Paul II: Saint John Paul the Great
+ Learn about Saint John XXIII: Saint of the Day   Letters of John XXXIII
+ Autobiography of Pope John XXIII: Journey of a Soul
+ Read Pope Francis’ Exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel”
+ May is the “Month of Mary” so check out these great Mary Resources
+ Read “In hope we were saved” by Pope Benedict XVI: Spe Salvi
+ Take a “May Pilgrimage” with your family or friends – visit a nearby shrine or even just a statue of Mary at your church, praying the rosary on the way there and back. Read more here and here.

+ Pray the joyous prayer called the Regina Coeli every day (maybe at noon)

+ Check out these great CDs on The Virgin Mary

+ Cut down on the amount of negative news you consume every day (through TV, radio and internet) and focus on some positive events in your community and around the world.

+ The 7 Building Blocks to a Joyful Catholic Home: Intentional Catholic Parenting