Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter
May 23, 2019
Today, in Mercy, the passage from John’s Gospel is part of the long farewell of Jesus. This farewell goes on for chapters, John using the form as a way to summarize all the important teachings of Jesus.
I often find John’s style lulling, like the gentle swaying back and forth of a porch swing. There are few sharp narrative curves to keep me alert. As a result, I often skip over a precious phrase like a stone across water.
A few years ago (like 30!), I decided to read John’s Gospel differently – to read it in short phrases, turning them over in my mind like a delicious candy on the tongue, or single lovely flowers plucked from a verdant bush.
It made a difference. Today’s chosen phrase is one of those candies:
…that my joy might be in you
and your joy might be complete.
How delightful that Jesus wants us to be joyful, that he wants to be the source of that joy!
How amazing to think that the mighty God desires to find joy in us!
Think of the joy you find in a most beloved child, in a precious friend, in the dearest of your heart. God wants to be “in joy” with us infinitely beyond these human relationships.
What does Divine Joy look like in your life today? Gratitude? Hope? Trust? Peace? Holy Intention? Silent Companionship?
As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
And be joyful ……
Music: gentle version of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy –
