JOY of the Gospel

[fencersmother]

I am wondering if Christians are really call to joy. Pope Francis’ book Joy of the Gospel and Matthew Kelly’s book A Call to Joy, say that we are to be “joyful.”

Somehow, I just can’t seem to find in the Gospels or NT where it says we are to be filled with JOY. Love, yes, repentance, yes.

Joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit, but do we all receive this gift?

And what exactly is JOY?

 

[Ad_Orientem]

Joy is a happy state of mind resulting from the possession of a higher good (e.g. friendship), or from the anticipation of possessing that good. It is distinct from mere pleasure, which results from the possession of lesser goods (e.g. food).

Since the ultimate good is God, the Christian has the greatest joy, because he knows by faith that he possesses him, though imperfectly here below, and again because he has hope that he will possess him perfectly in heaven. In this life joy is mixed with sorrow. Indeed it is possible to experience them simultaneously.

So I’d say that joy is a fruit of faith, hope, and charity. If we lack joy it is because one of those virtues in us is weak. We can increase them by prayer, the sacraments, self-denial, and the practice of virtue, and consequently experience greater joy. But we should not think that sorrow, in itself, precludes joy.

In 1 Thes. 5:16-18, St. Paul tell us to rejoice always, and to give thanks in all things. These actions are connected with joy, and perhaps would also help to foster it.

 

[Joe_5859]

I’ve been wanting to reflect more on joy lately, too. I think a good starting point is the Beatitudes. Most translations say “blessed”, but it could also be translated as “happy” or “full of joy”. I need to reflect more on the Beatitudes.

 

[Beryllos]

In the Gospel of John, Jesus mentions his joy, and that he desires to share it with the apostles, e.g.,
John 15:11 New American Bible (Revised Edition)

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”
That is just one line, but the Gospel of John is full of expressions of love, peace, truth, beauty, and joy. I am particularly fond of the Last Supper discourses in chapters 14-16, and Jesus’ prayer in chapter 17.