May 7, 2026
Fifth Week of Easter
Joy Complete
I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.
John 15:11

As a child I smiled readily—not from external happiness but from deep-within joy. There, with what I can only call infused grace, God redeemed the most difficult moments of my childhood—continually reminding me he was bigger than my circumstances. Now when life presses and I ask, “Lord, what do you most want from me?” He reiterates, Joy, my child—joy

Too often, we look for joy outside ourselves—in all the wrong places. The world dangles lures before us. But real joy goes deeper. Jesus says joy comes from keeping his commandments. We may balk. “Really, Jesus? No sex outside of marriage? No gossiping about annoying people? Going to Mass every week? This equals complete joy?”

Yes. God’s commandments aren’t rules to stifle freedom but loving protection from what kills our souls and robs our true joy.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for continually helping us foster complete joy.

- Kathleen Swartz McQuaig

Acts 15:7-21 ✚ Psalm 96:1-3, 10 ✚ John 15:9-11
Portrait of a little boy with down syndrome during a summer sunset with his father. Image by Louis-Paul Photo | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

Comments

Salina (not in control) Respond to comment
May 7, 2026 at 03:04 PM

Surgery was so quick…it probably less than 5 min! It went well ✝️ Had lunch and now sitting on the coach watching TV milking it as much as possible with a bell ringing for service :-) A friend texted and said her friend was very pleased with the Light Adjustimg Lens…giving me confidence…follow up tomorrow and next Thursday the left eye…can’t wait :-) Thank y’all for praying ❤️

May 7, 2026 at 12:34 PM

Kathleen, thank you for bringing a smile to my face, may I share it with everyone. Vicky G, Stormi and Salina, please know that you are all in my prayers as well as everyone who needs an extra hug today. May the Lord be with us all.

Kathleen Swartz McQuaig
May 7, 2026 at 01:02 PM

Rita, I'm smiling with you, asking our Lord to multiply your joy especially in this month of May--the feast of St. Rita. God's grace, peace, and healing touch to you and all our LF family.

May 7, 2026 at 11:31 AM

Vicky G...I knew the first time I ever read one of your posts, that you were smiling while you were writing it! Even through your surgeries, procedures, Garrett's accident and his rehab, the tragedy of Andrew losing Jennifer ~ joy in God's trust still filtered through your words, we heard the hope and your belief that His peace would be with you. Grief is so tricky, everyone grieves differently and those of us who are trying to "be there" for them feel helpless in not being able to ease their pain and anger. I know there's different phases of grief....
Read more

Salina (not in control) Respond to comment
May 7, 2026 at 09:50 AM

Oops, I thought I lost the first writing of my devotional when I walked Penny so I re-wrote it again when I got home without looking…1.5 hour to go before my surgery ✝️

Salina (not in control)
May 7, 2026 at 09:55 AM

I am nervous about the surgeries but I am excited to see what God has prepared for me to see ❤️✝️❤️ Joy by for King & Country https://youtu.be/E-r7ogDaaEQ?si=LtJW9RLEIl-IWwMd

Salina (not in control) Respond to comment
May 7, 2026 at 09:45 AM

What is the joy of the Lord? The joy of the Lord is the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God, abiding in Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit! It is a deep-seated, spiritual gladness and strength stemming from God’s character and presence, rather than temporary happiness dependent on circumstances. It is an enduring, supernatural gift—a fruit of the Holy Spirit—grounded in Salvation, God's love, and His unwavering faithfulness, often providing stability in trials. *** The reason for the joy of the Lord grounded in receiving our Salvation in 1 Peter 1:8-9, “Even though you have not seen Him, you love...
Read more

May 7, 2026 at 09:16 AM

Amen. :)

May 7, 2026 at 09:03 AM

AMEN!

May 7, 2026 at 08:57 AM

Kathleen I love your story. It puts a smile on my face. I was a very very shy child and still slightly struggle with it in my elderly years. Faith and knowing God helps in those moments. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days, Cheryl, Salina and all those I pray for that my wee 'lil pea brain may forget LOL. Holy Spirit fills the hearts of all to guide us to a more heavenly earth.

Kathleen Swartz McQuaig
May 7, 2026 at 12:57 PM

Ah Stormi, What a journey. Thankfully, we don't go it alone. Thanks for sharing and May He continue to be that source of joy for us all. Wishing you joy multiplied.

May 7, 2026 at 08:47 AM

Share your joy, others will feel your joy and pass it on. Before long others will seek this joy within themselves and share it. Oh what a wonderful world we have, may joy spread. Amen!

Kathleen Swartz McQuaig
May 7, 2026 at 12:52 PM

Amen.

May 7, 2026 at 08:38 AM

Hi Ken, sending prayers for your friend, Cindy today. Thanks to our Holy Father for continuing to stand up for the dignity of every human person, caring for the poor, and peace over war. What a joy filled message for us each and every day.

Salina (not in control) Respond to comment
May 7, 2026 at 08:37 AM

What is the joy of the Lord? The joy of the Lord is the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God, abiding in Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit! *** The reason for the joy in John 10:28-29, “I (Jesus) give them eternal life, and they will never die. No one will steal them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than anyone. No one can steal them out of My Father’s hand!” *** Joy even in suffering in Romans 5:3-5a, “And that’s not all. We are full of joy...
Read more

May 7, 2026 at 08:35 AM

How blessed we are that even as young children we were able to draw on the joy that the Lord had planted in our hearts especially when life was not always carefree and happy. We used to sing a song, “The Joy of the Lord is my strength” and how true that is. Just imagine the joy that we experience here on earth in the midst of trials and difficulties, how much more our joy will be complete in the presence of Jesus in our heavenly home.

Kathleen Swartz McQuaig
May 7, 2026 at 12:51 PM

Amen

May 7, 2026 at 08:11 AM

Amen Amen Amen God is joy to me Let him be joy for you!!!

May 7, 2026 at 05:21 AM

Amen to a Joy filled Spirit Salina, I pray for your successful surgery today and God's healing powers.... we do need your deep insights into scripture and hope to have you back soon Stormi, I hope and pray you make the best decisions for you and your family, by God's grace

May 7, 2026 at 03:24 AM

In a nutshell Kathleen you have told my story. I remember being a happy outgoing child, but I let, to quote from William Shakespeare's Hamlet “The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" affect me and became a different person. —- Feelings of insecurity and anxiety led to withdrawal behind a mask I wore to protect myself from further pain. Looking back I had entombed myself and become isolated with the constant voice of my inner critic, who was the scared version of me. It was hell on Earth. —- I thank God for the seeds of faith sown in me...
Read more

Kathleen Swartz McQuaig
May 7, 2026 at 12:49 PM

Patrick, Thank you for your heartfelt comment. Yes we've walked some of the same road. Soo grateful for God's grace growing in us and being the true source of our joy. His blessings on you.

Vicky G
May 7, 2026 at 09:08 AM

Patrick thank you for your heartfelt post. It gives me hope for my Andrew. I am praying for those named yesterday especially Salina and Stormi but my prayers aren’t with their usual fervor. I thought what we went through with Garrett was bad but I knew he’d get through it. I never imagined how much worse it could be with Andrew as I fear for him without faith he won’t. Always full of joy from a child up and with friends still telling me how much light I bring to everyone, the devil knew how to attack and for the...
Read more

Portrait of a little boy with down syndrome during a summer sunset with his father. Image by Louis-Paul Photo | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

STAY CONNECTED

requestbnr

Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.

Receive a free reflection for Sundays every week via email

About Living Faith Living Faith Foundation Ambassador Privacy Policy F.A.Q. Contact Us

© 2026 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, lnc. All Rights Reserved.