The effect of grace, peace and joy

The true worth of what a Christian does is determined by the active presence of God's grace in him and his deeds. In a Christian's heart, therefore, peace is inseparable from joy.... When the joy that is in a Christian heart is poured out on others, it gives them hope and optimism; it spurs them to be generous in their daily toil and infects the entire society. My children, only if you have in you this divine grace which is joy and peace, will you be able to do anything useful for others.

--Blessed John Paul II, Address, 10 April 1979

How Christ dwells in us

Footnotes for 2 Corinthians 13:5

Christ dwells in the intellect by faith, in the heart and affections by charity, in the soul by grace.

THE NEED FOR GRACE AND INTERIOR STRUGGLE

Baptism, as we know, does not automatically produce a consistent life: this is the fruit of the will and of the persevering commitment to collaborate with the gift, with the Grace received. And this commitment costs us effort, there is a price to pay in person.

--Benedict XVI, Address to Seminarians of Rome, 2011

No one can be made happy unless he rises above himself, not to an ascent of the body, but of the heart. But we cannot rise above ourselves unless a higher power lifts us up. And divine aid is available to those who seek it from their hearts, humbly and devoutly.

(St Bonaventure, Cardinal-Bishop of Albano, Doctor of the Church, 1218-1274)