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The Lord is risen as He said, Alleluia!
Have you heard Pope Francis' observation that "There are some Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter" (EG, n. 6)? Here's a simple simple strategy for avoiding such a fate, from Fr. Michael Gaitley's practical guide to mercy in action, You Did It To Me (pp. 42-44):
The Apostolate of Smiling
JUST A LITTLE SMILE ON YOUR LIPS:
Cheers your heart
Keeps you in good humor
Preserves peace in your heart
Promotes your health
Beautifies your face
Induces kindly thoughts
Inspires kindly deeds.
SMILE TO YOURSELF...
Until you notice that your constant
seriousness or even severity has vanished.
SMILE TO YOURSELF...
Until you have warmed your own heart with
the sunshine of your cheery countenance.
Then...go out--and radiate your smile.
THAT SMILE...
Has work to do--work to do for God.
You are an apostle now,
and your smile is your instrument for winning souls.
and your smile is your instrument for winning souls.
Sanctifying grace dwelling in your soul
will give the special charm to your smile
that will render it productive of much good.
will give the special charm to your smile
that will render it productive of much good.
SMILE--on the lonely faces
SMILE--on the timid faces
SMILE--on the sorrowful faces
SMILE--on the sickly faces
SMILE--on the fresh, young faces
SMILE--on the wrinkled, old faces
SMILE--on the familiar faces of your family and friends--
let all enjoy the beauty and inspiring cheer of your smiling face....
let all enjoy the beauty and inspiring cheer of your smiling face....
YOUR SMILE...
can bring new life and hope and courage
into the hearts of the weary, the overburdened,
the discouraged, the tempted, the despairing.
into the hearts of the weary, the overburdened,
the discouraged, the tempted, the despairing.
YOUR SMILE...
can help to develop vocations if you are a priest,
a brother, or a sister.
a brother, or a sister.
YOUR SMILE...
can be the beginning of conversions to the faith.
YOUR SMILE...
can prepare the way for a sinner's return to God.
YOUR SMILE...
Can win for you a host of devoted friends.
SMILE, TOO, AT GOD...
Smile at God in loving acceptance of whatever he sends into your life,
and you will merit to have the radiantly Smiling Face of Christ
gaze on you with special love throughout eternity.
and you will merit to have the radiantly Smiling Face of Christ
gaze on you with special love throughout eternity.
