“The kingdom of God is… justice, peace, and the joy that is given by the Holy Spirit.” (Rom 14:17)
What is true joy, brethren, other than the kingdom of heaven? And what is the kingdom of heaven other than Christ our Lord? I know that everyone wants to have true joy. But the person who wants to be happy with his harvest without cultivating his field is deluding himself; the person who wants to harvest fruit without planting trees is mistaken. We cannot have true joy without righteousness and peace… At present, respecting righteousness and having peace, we work hard for a short time like people bent over good work. But afterwards, we will rejoice without end because of the fruit of that work.
Listen to the apostle Paul, who said of Christ: “It is he who is our peace.” (Eph 2:14) … And speaking to his disciples, the Lord told them: “I shall see you again; then your hearts will rejoice with a joy no one can take from you.” What is that joy that no one can take from you other than your Lord himself, whom no one can take from you?
So examine your conscience, brethren; if righteousness reigns there, if you want, desire and wish the same thing for everyone as for yourself, if there is peace in you, not only with your friends but equally with your enemies, then know that the kingdom of heaven, which is to say Christ the Lord, abides in you.
St. Bernadette Soubirous