An ABC of Faith

Joy

It almost seems counter intuitive that when Jesus is facing the relentless move towards Jerusalem and what now seems his inevitable death that he finds time to speak of joy. “But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” John 17:13

I am reminded that on this day before wHe enter the season of Advent that I recall a childhood Sunday School song that could be sung to the tune of Jingle Bells that had the words, “J-O-Y, J-O-Y surely that must be, Jesus first and yourself last and other’s in between.” Although seemingly trite, there is perhaps a deeper truth within this simple rhyme.

Perhaps today, we need to hear Jesus continue to pray for his followers – for us! We need to hear him ask his Father for three gifts for us: Joy, Protection and Holiness. May we reflect on where in our lives we  might need to use each of these gifts, which are now ours, thanks to Jesus’ prayer for us. Let’s take time now to reflect on each gift, one by one, and  ask the Holy Spirit for guidance on where and how to use these gifts. 

Surely this is the essence of Joy In these final chapters of John’s Gospel, Jesus is trying to sum up what his life and mission is all about. He speaks at length of the bond between him and his Father and it is from this bond of love that he is ‘sent’.

Jesus tells us that we too are ‘sent’ to continue his mission. Friendship with Jesus is being with him, and being sent in his name. Our mission as his followers is in the midst of and in the depths of the world. He wants his love and message inserted in the centre of the world, the city, the neighbourhood. In following him in mission and love, we are ourselves sanctified. How do we experience this Joy of being sent ‘being sent’? With “Jesus first, ourselves last and others in between.”

Name above all Names, please allow our eyes to see the way You do. Keep our outlook filled with hope and positivity, remind us to be thankful for each moment, and let our trust in You carry us daily. Show us how to find our joy and give us the power to do it. By trusting in Your promises and letting joy lead us, we know our struggles will become easier. Help us to see past the problems of today and keep our visions of eternity with You foremost in our minds. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.