The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3
“Act in such a way that all those who come in contact with you will go away joyful. Sow happiness about you because you have received much from God; give then, generously to others. They should take leave of you with their hearts filled with joy, even if they have no more than touched the hem of your garment. Keep well in mind the words I am telling you right now.”
Józef Andrasz (1891-1963) was the spiritual advisor to many, including Faustina Kowalska, known widely as the Apostle of Divine Mercy. Here she quotes Andrasz in Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul (Stockbridge: Marian Press, 2005) 28.
Don’t miss the biblical expression Andrasz recounts. Remember the sick woman who believed that if she only touched the cloak of Jesus in the crowds of people she could be healed (cf. Luke 8:42b-48; Matthew 9:20-22)? Not only did Jesus report that her faith healed her, we see that even a brief contact with our Lord can change a person’s life. Andrasz rightly reminds us that we can have a similar impact on those around us.
If we start each day by receiving from God, we can then, as ambassadors of His love and kindness, go forth joyfully and give generously. Often we start each week with many plans and things to do, but let us not forget that we can bless others in the most brief meetings: at a checkout counter, on a sidewalk, or in a passing conversation. “Sow happiness about you because you have received much from God.”