Pope Francis wrote early in his papacy on the theme of joy and evangelization. This writing was sparked by Francis’ belief that many Christians have lost, or have yet to taste, the joy that Christ brings, and this absence of joy leads believers to “end up resentful, angry and listless” (EG #2). Francis called for a renewed encounter with Christ as an antidote to this listlessness for: “with Christ joy is constantly born anew…I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy” (EG #1). Pope Francis’ words stand as a perfect summary of the life of today’s saint – Philip Neri – who was a paradigm of evangelization grounded in joy, humor, and personal relationship.
St. Philip Neri, missionary to the city of Rome in the 16th century, lived out the words of the Psalmist in today’s readings: “Sing to God, O Kingdoms of the earth.” Philip sang out in his love of music, in his love of God, and in his infectious joy and humor by which he engaged with people and evangelized them. Through the gift of his humor – sometimes shaving his beard half off, wearing his clothes inside out, or the playing of practical jokes on his community members – he put people at ease and helped them draw closer to Christ and His Church. Philip’s joy was grounded in his intense life of prayer, fasting and the Sacraments, and this joy was born of his deep love of God and others. We see in Philip Neri’s example how true contrition can spark true joy in that his life of prayer and penance gave birth to the joyful gift of the spirit in his ministry. Through this humor, Philip worked tirelessly to evangelize others and to care for the poor and the needy in Rome. His work produced many converts to the faith.
Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, a gift from the Lord, and thus a sign of the presence of God in our lives. Philip Neri’s missionary work in Rome is one example of how Francis’ call to evangelize in joy looked like in history. Today, as we prepare for Pentecost this weekend, let us pray for an increase in joy and also how the example of Philip Neri might inspire us to respond to the needs of our families and cities with joy and evangelization.