The Joyful Warrior: When Saints Fight with Laughter | Daily Readings | May 26, 2025

May 26, 2025 - Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest. Daily Catholic Lectionary Readings

Saint Philip Neri discovered joy as spiritual warfare: "A joyful heart is more easily made perfect than a downcast one." In Counter-Reformation Rome, while others fought Protestant challenges with arguments, Philip won souls through supernatural happiness that made holiness irresistibly attractive. Today's readings show how the Holy Spirit opens hearts through attraction rather than argument, just as Philip's Oratory drew young Romans to Christ through celebration rather than condemnation.

Our reflection explores:
1. How Saint Philip Neri used joy as weapon against forces crushing human spirits
2. Why the Holy Spirit testifies through transformed lives radiating supernatural happiness
3. What Jesus meant when He warned joyful witnesses would face inevitable opposition
4. How spiritual warfare through attraction conquers more effectively than confrontation

Readings:
Acts 16:11-15; Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b; John 15:26—16:4a

Timeline:
00:00 Introduction
00:15 Reading I
01:08 Psalm Response
04:50 Gospel
05:35 Reflection

Perfect for anyone feeling defensive about their faith, wondering how to make Christianity attractive, or seeking Philip Neri's secret of conquering through joy.

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