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Complete Joy
“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”
We live in a world where it can be hard to imagine that life could be one of complete joy. And yet, this is what Jesus promises. How can this be?
This question is often the challenge of our faith. In the midst of a world of conflict (even among religious leaders) it can be hard to accept there can be peace. In the midst of a world of pain and brokenness, it can be hard to believe happiness can happen.
But this is the promise of Jesus. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” “As the Father loves me, so I also love you.” This is what Jesus says to us and promises us. And this is true even in our own brokenness. Our baptism makes us beloved sons and daughters of God. We are all made in the image and likeness of God.
We need to remember that Jesus sealed this promise in His crucifixion. The Father confirmed it in the resurrection. While it may seem hard at time that we were made for joy and peace, it is true.
This joy is evident when we look at the ways the Holy Spirit is active in the world. It was the action of the Holy Spirit that made it possible for the early Church to make a decision about practicing the Jewish Law and following Jesus.
And it is the action of the Holy Spirit that should bring us joy today. We are beloved sons and daughters of God. The grace of God is given to us so that we can make real the request of Jesus. “Remain in my love.”
On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.
