Restoration of joy and peace

Today the good Lord gives us a wonderful promise about the restoration of our lost joy. Many people have lost their joy because of sin. There are remedies to bring it back—repentance, reconciliation, and confession. First, confession to God, and then to a Catholic priest. The promise is taken from Luke 15:24: “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.” The joy of the family, the prodigal son, and his father returned when the son came back full of repentance and reconciliation with his father. The celebrations began. Many of us have lost the joy in our hearts because of sin, wrong actions, and even our reactions to wrong actions. But there is still hope to bring back joy, as it is mentioned in Luke 15:7: “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” King David once cried and prayed after his sin; he had lost peace of mind and joy in his heart (Psalm 51:11). When people sin, the Holy Spirit becomes inactive in them or, in some cases, even leaves them. That destroys joy in our hearts. So, when a person returns like the prodigal son, “…there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). Psalm 51:12 says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.”

Let us lift our hands towards heaven and look unto Jesus. For many reasons, the joy in our hearts has ceased, as it says in Lamentations 5:15: “The joy of our hearts has ceased; our dancing has been turned to mourning.” Why has this happened to people? It is due to sin and an attitude of non-repentance. All of us are sinners and have fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23). John 9:31 says that the prayers of sinners will not be answered by God. Does that mean none of the prayers of people will be heard? No! The prayers of unrepentant sinners will not be heard by God. Only those who repent, reconcile with God and others, and confess their sins—such persons’ prayers will be heard and answered by God. That is why the Bible tells us to return to God despite our sinful nature and tendency (Romans 10:3). Sirach 21:2 also says, “Flee from sin as from a snake; for if you approach sin, it will bite you. Its teeth are lion’s teeth and can destroy human lives.” This is truly an invitation to repentance. Many may ask what is the use of repentance and reconciliation, since those who continue in sin seem to live happily. But the Bible answers this in Sirach 21:10: “The way of sinners is paved with smooth stones, but at its end is the pit of Hades.” If you want to be with God in eternity, and also lead a joyful and peaceful life on this earth, avoid sin. And even if you fall into sin by chance or mistake, repent with the resolve not to commit it again, reconcile with God and with people, and confess your sins to a Catholic priest.

The prodigal son came to his senses and decided to return to his father (Luke 15:17). He confessed his sins to his Heavenly Father (Luke 15:18b) and also to his earthly father (Luke 15:21). Then the father restored what the son had destroyed. Those who lead a life of sin are like dead persons—there is no joy, peace, or life in their families (Luke 15:24). Brothers and sisters, if you want to enjoy true freedom in Christ Jesus and rejoice, freedom from sin is necessary. But nobody can overcome sin on their own. When Jesus sets you free from sin, you are truly free (John 8:36), and you can rejoice. Otherwise, you will remain enslaved forever (John 8:34).

Let us lift up our hands and pray: “Lord, set me free from the spirit of sin. Lord, set me free from the slavery of sin. Make me free from my wrong actions. Justify me, Lord, by your blood. Thank you, Jesus! Praise you, Jesus!”

When sin is removed, you will begin to enjoy life again. David committed three grave sins—adultery, murder, and conceit. When he became aware of his sins after some time, his joy was completely lost. People began rebelling against him, even his own family members turned against him. But when he heard the message preached by the prophet Nathan, he was transformed.

All glory and honour to our Lord Jesus Christ, who has made provision through His death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins and the restoration of our joy. Amen.