THE JOY OF JESUS

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” /Jn 15:11/
Jesus, what are you telling us? What sources of joy are you showing us?
Is it possible for joy to blossom in this world, so full of suffering and hopelessness?
You say: “my joy” and “full joy,” meaning a joy different from the one we usually desire.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Remain in my love!” /Jn 15:9/
The source of the joy of which you speak, Jesus, is therefore your Heart, the source of Love. Your heart, loved eternally by the Father and therefore loving immeasurably. It is precisely this love that you pour into our hearts and teach us. You invite us to this love and so ardently desire that we persevere in it.
Help us to believe in Your love, which is greater than suffering and despair. Help us to open our frightened hearts and accept Your gift. Help us also to persevere in Your love—that is, with You, to try to love more each day.
When we persevere in love, starting anew each day, step by step, building the love that You show us and to which You enable us, You Yourself will be the source within us.
“Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” /Jn 16:22b/
S.M. Roza