From Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions (Jan/Feb/Mar 2026)

Lenten Weekday

Isaiah 65:17-21 + Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13 + John 4:43-54

The Source of My Smile

Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create…. Isaiah 65:18

God gifted me with a squinty-eyed, quick, genuine smile. Despite countless difficulties, I’d always clung to the security of his love and provision. Then years ago, several tragic events converged. They turned my world and family upside down. I lost my smile. Heartbroken – a mere shell of myself – I grieved half-a-decade of extended-family estrangement. But daily, I carried my hurt and loved ones to Mass, praying Jesus’ good and truth over each of them.

Rather than continuing to grieve my loss, Jesus challenged me to rekindle joy – in him! He restored my smile! Through imperfect conditions, our gracious God is gradually restoring relationships that Satan stole away. Today’s passages from Isaiah and Psalms call us, despite trials, to see our lives and world anew. He, who created Jerusalem to be a joy and its people a delight, wants to turn our mourning into dancing. now, that’s worth smiling about!

Thank-you, Precious Lord, for being our true source of joy!

□ Kathleen Swartz McQuaig