The Lord and his joy

Wednesday July 7, 2021

The Lord and his joy

I have told you this so that my joy may remain in you and your joy may be complete. John 15:11

When he is a man, in the midst of men, our Lord does not despise earthly joys (not to be confused with worldly joys). He participates in the joy that reigns at the wedding feast at Cana and appreciates the loving and warm atmosphere of the house of Bethany. However, a deeper joy dwells in him, a joy that has its source in heaven, in his Father.

Jesus lives in an enemy, wicked and violent world, but he keeps within him a very personal joy, that which the Father's love for him brings him. He can say with full conviction : The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself does (John 5:20). Twice he hears the voice of the Father proclaiming : This is my beloved Son, who has all my approval (Matthew 3:17 ; 17:5).

He wants to share his joy with his disciples : Just as the Father loved me, so I loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may dwell in you and your joy may be complete (John 15: 9-11).

When the disciples express their joy to him that demons are subject to them in his name (Luke 10:17), Jesus redirects their thoughts. He tells them to rejoice more that their names are inscribed in the heavens (v. 20) : they are destined to live in the paradise of God.

He rejoices and praises his Father that he reveals himself to little children, and not to the wise and clever in the eyes of the world (Luke 10:21).

His joy is also that of the shepherd who finds his lost sheep. She makes him accept suffering and stigma. Yes, he endures the cross because of this joy which he has before him : may the Father be glorified and many men and women be brought into the Father's house for all eternity (Hebrews 12: 2).

What love is the love of Jesus who wants to share his personal joy with those he has redeemed, that is, you and me!

Source (Pleasing the Lord)