How to Stay Joyful?

Reflection Date: May 07, 2026 | Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 15:7-21; John 15:9-11

 Children of God:
Carlo Acutis was an ordinary boy who lived an extraordinary love for God. 

As a child, he enjoyed playing video games, using the computer, and spending time with friends. 

Yet what made him different was his deep love for the Eucharist. 

He called it his “highway to heaven,” and he made it a point to attend Mass as often as he could. 

Even at a young age, he showed compassion for the poor, sharing his allowance and helping those in need. 

He created a website to document Eucharistic miracles, using his skills to spread faith in a modern way. 

His life was simple, yet filled with purpose and devotion. 

As a teenager, he remained cheerful and kind, never losing his focus on God. 

When he became sick with leukemia, he offered his suffering for the Church and for the Pope. 

He faced his illness with peace and trust, never complaining. 

In his short life, he showed that joy could be found in loving God wholeheartedly.

In the gospel of John, Jesus spoke about remaining in his love so that his joy might be in us and our joy might be complete. 

He described a kind of joy that was not dependent on circumstances but rooted in a relationship. 

Carlo’s life reflected this message in a simple yet powerful way. 

What can guide us today as we search for real joy?

First, real joy is nurtured in remaining in love.

Jesus said, “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.” 

He spoke of love as something constant and life-giving. 

It was not just an emotion but a relationship that needed to be nurtured and sustained. 

Remaining in love means staying close to him in everyday life.

Carlo Acutis lived this in a very concrete way. 

His love for the Eucharist was not just a routine; it was his way of staying connected to Jesus. 

In that connection, he found joy that did not fade. 

Even simple acts like prayer, kindness, and helping others became sources of happiness because they were rooted in love.

In our lives, we often look for joy in achievements, possessions, or recognition. 

Yet these can be temporary and fragile. 

Jesus invited us to remain in his love, where joy becomes steady and deep. 

When we stay connected to him, even ordinary moments become meaningful.

Second, real joy is sustained by faithful choices.

Jesus said, “If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love.” 

He connected love with obedience, showing that joy is not separate from the choices we make. 

Faithfulness in small things leads to a deeper experience of love and joy.

Carlo’s life showed this clearly. 

He chose to go to Mass, to pray, and to serve others even when it was not required. 

These choices shaped his heart and gave him a sense of peace and joy that others could see. 

His happiness was not accidental; it was the result of daily faithfulness.

In our own journey, joy is often affected by the decisions we make. 

When we choose love, patience, and kindness, we create space for joy to grow. 

Faithful choices keep us rooted in the love that brings lasting joy.

As we reflect, we ask ourselves: Do I remain in God’s love through prayer and daily connection? 

Do my choices reflect a desire to stay faithful, even in small things? Do I seek joy in temporary things, or do I root it in a deeper relationship with God?

Children of God:
The life of Carlo Acutis reminds us that joy is not reserved for extraordinary people. 

It is available to anyone who chooses to love God simply and faithfully. 

Jesus showed that joy comes from remaining in his love. 

Our task is to stay connected and respond to it. 

Like Carlo Acutis, may we choose the kind of joy that lasts.