# Celebrating Pope Francis’ Birthday on the Third Week of Advent
*2014-12-16*

> Bill Young reflects on the joy of the Gospel during Advent, offers birthday wishes to Pope Francis, and shares a prayer for trusting God amid life’s challenges.

## A Birthday Blessing for Pope Francis

Happy birthday, Pope Francis! Today you turn 78 years old. May God bless you in your ministry and keep you healthy. Amen.

## Joy That No One Can Take Away

“Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy.” (John 16:22) The joy of the Gospel cannot be taken away by any circumstance. Even when the evils of our world or the Church tempt us to give up, we must see them as challenges that help us grow.

## Light in the Darkness

With eyes of faith we perceive the light that the Holy Spirit radiates amid darkness. Remember that where sin increases, grace abounds even more (Romans 5:20). Our faith is called to discern how water becomes wine and how wheat can grow among weeds.

## Overcoming Defeatism

A serious temptation that stifles boldness is defeatism, which leads to quarreling, delusion, and bitterness. Yet the Lord tells St. Peter, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). Our Christian triumph is always a cross, but it is also a victorious banner of tender, aggressive love against evil.

## A Prayer for Trust

Jesus, help me trust you as I face the challenges that help me grow. Amen. God bless you all.

*Even in the midst of Advent’s waiting, the Gospel’s joy remains unshakable.*