The friend of the bridegroom, who standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice.

According to The Imitation of Christ, which takes up the words of John the Baptist (“the friend of the bridegroom,” the bridegroom being Christ), joy is born of being near Christ and listening to His voice, and it awakens the desire to give oneself to Him with all one’s heart. Today, take a few minutes to listen in silence, like a friend who rejoices to hear a beloved voice, then offer your day to God in a simple word.