Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter

"The two most important words in our Gospel today are joy and commandments. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” And “If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love.”

These are not terms that we would readily juxtapose. We usually associate commandments with the carrying out of duty and responsibility, or with moral rectitude, and that normally seems opposed to joy.

However, in Thomas Aquinas’s treatment of human behavior, the first question raised is not about law or virtue, but rather joy. Thomas wonders what the nature of true happiness is. What all of us seek, whether we are young or old, Christian or non-Christian, male or female, rich or poor, is joy.

The whole point of the moral life is to make us happy. So how do we become happy? Thomas’s answer, which is in line with the great tradition, is through the proper ordering of one’s desire, through learning how to desire the right things and in the right way. And that’s precisely what Jesus commands us to do."

• Bishop Barron

Key Saints and Blesseds for May 7th

• St. Rose Venerini (1656–1728): Known for her dedication to educating young women, she opened her first school in 1685 and established over 40 schools before her death in Rome. She was canonized in 2006.

• Blessed Maria of Saint Joseph Alvarado (1875–1967): The first Venezuelan woman to be beatified, she founded the Congregation of the Poor of Saint Augustine to serve the sick and poor.

• St. Flavia Domitilla (2nd Century): A Roman martyr celebrated for her faith and purity.

• Blessed Francesco Paleari (1863–1939): An Italian priest known for his work in the Little House of Divine Providence.

• Blessed Albert of Bergamo (died 1279): A Third Order Franciscan and farmer known for his charity to the poor.