Sister Act

June 1, 2022

DAILY READING

John 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”

FIELD NOTES

Whoopi Goldberg plays Deloris, a nightclub singer with a questionable past, in the movie Sister Act. Deloris becomes Sister Mary Clarence through a witness protection program at a convent of nuns; as a result, Mother Superior makes Deloris their choir director, which includes several off-key singers. However, very few people attend worship, causing Deloris to change the music style and the songs. Inspiring the choir to work a different way (with joy), the choir makes worship come alive and brings new people from the streets to worship. Even the Pope travels to their church to experience worship.

Through the music, the nuns begin to practice and live out what they believe—their relationship with God provides great joy, and that joy is contagious. Even Deloris discovers the joy of the Christian faith.

Likewise, many of us lack Christian joy in our worship, jobs, families, friends, and ourselves. Part of Paul’s antidote to the quest to find happiness is to focus on and receive the joy of the Holy Spirit, especially during times of struggle.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• What are your thoughts about today? People you will encounter? Tasks on your schedule?
• How about seeking the Joy of the Lord in the midst of and despite what happens today?

PRAYER GUIDE

Dear most loving, gracious God, I look forward to some things today and wish certain things wouldn’t happen or would just disappear. Yet, with your help, I will seek your joy in the midst of it all. In your gracious name, we ask. Amen.