John 17:13

The New Testament is full of the word “Joy.” Jesus tells His disciples that he wants them to possess His joy so that “their joy might be complete” (John 15:11). The disciples, Mary Magdalene, and everyone else who witnessed the Risen Christ after the Resurrection, were overjoyed (John 20:20).

Why then are there so many gloomy Christians? Why is it that their lives are so joyless? St. Teresa of Avila remarked: “God protect me from gloomy Saints?” St. Teresa was a joyful person and on feast days, she was known to dance with joy. And, why not?

There was a religious movement that held sway in the Church in the nineteenth century, called Jansenism. It embraced the philosophy of Manichaeism which maintained that human nature was evil, and that only the spirit was good. The consequence of this doctrine was to denigrate the flesh and human nature. It leads to a joyless and gloomy expression of Christian living. Jansenism, with its dismal view of human nature, was declared a heresy by the Church.

Joy may be distinguished from happiness. The things that make us happy are external to us, like a good job, a good friend, a new car, a beautiful house, or a vacation. Joy, on the other hand, is internal. It flows and moves within us like a beautiful melody; a good vibration, feeling or attitude. Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Reflect for a moment on the things that Christ has bequeathed to you to experience His Joy!

His Word! The Word of Christ in the New Testament is His Good News that imparts joy to whosoever will listen. It accompanies us wherever are; uplifting our spirits and giving us hope.

His Sacraments! The Eucharist, for example, which Christ asks us to celebrate in His memory, ensures He will always live within us. It renews us, and transforms us into the Body of Christ.

His Example! The Gospels and their influence on the lives of His followers everywhere throughout the world are certainly caused for joy. They connect us to one another and to Christ who is always with us, supporting us and answering our prayers.

This joy that Christ offers us is eternal. It is here; it is there; and it is everlasting. Every day for a Christian is a cause for Joy!

“This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24).

Fr. Hugh Duffy