"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." - John 15:11
Remember that song from our childhood...I got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart... well, today's Gospel reading reminds us of the importance of that simple three letter word that means so much – JOY! Often in today's world we mistakenly interchange happy with joy. But the two are far from the same. Happiness is related to external happenings, that result in a feeling of contentment. Whereas joy is internal, and it is the work of the Holy Spirit. Think about it, Jesus' life was far from happy, and yet he was filled with joy. Jesus explained to his disciples how to have joy by telling them to stay close to the Father. Joy is further explained in Hebrews Chapter 1 where it states that Jesus was anointed with the oil of joy by the Father because he loved righteousness and had virtue and integrity and he hated lawlessness, injustice and iniquity. How do you know if you have joy? By the fruit you bear. Joy is having a desire to proclaim God's word when you encounter others. And when you are filled with joy, it is contagious!
Ask yourself: Do I search for happiness instead of desiring joy?
Father, fill me me with Joy so others may see you in me. Amen
Reflection by:
Char Lerch...
Lay Pastoral Minister and Volunteer at Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon
