Joy is a central point of reference in all Pope Francis's teaching - a theme that's even more
necessary in difficult times. God is joyful asserts the Pope. And God's compassion to which
Pope Francis has dedicated the Jubilee - the foundational act of his pontificate - is no less
than the deepest manifestation of God's joy and the heart of all Christian preaching. The
liberating revolution of the Gospel - and in truth all of Christianity - is encapsulated
here. We are not supposed to mortify the flesh or carry burdens heavier than those we already
have but to bear witness to a new beautiful and surprising horizon: to share a joy that has
been prepared for everyone. And in fact this joy changes us in the very moment we are ready to
welcome it. The Pope's words are a constant invitation to embrace authentic beauty and to open
oneself to encountering God to change attitudes that exclude others to reveal the deep
dissatisfaction we all hide and to overcome life's challenges with courage and faith without
being overwhelmed by sadness and pessimism. True joy is not an ephemeral sentiment nor an
illusory antidote to suffering it springs from a solid hope that nothing and no one can take
away. It is joy that has the last word - always. It is the sharing of a smile the first small
yet significant step to try something new to renew oneself - to be reborn.
