Jn 15:9-11
[Jesus said to his disciples,] 9“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”
I HAVE TOLD YOU THIS SO THAT MY JOY MIGHT BE IN YOU. Jesus is a joyful man, and here he is, talking of our joy! This may be something new to us. The pictures we have of Jesus are usually serious. With the deep thoughts and prayers he is always in, with all the questions thrown at him, and with the care he shows for many people flocking to him, Jesus must be a serious and busy person. We cannot imagine him heartily laughing.
But Jesus is a happy, joyful person, with ready smile and disarming laughter. Children come up to him to be blessed. Children do not go near a grouchy old man. People seek him out, even if they have to walk many miles without food. People do not go after a strict, serious, and sullen preacher. The Pharisees look for faults or mistakes in almost everything Jesus does or says, including his table fellowship with tax collectors and sinners. But these religious leaders end up letting him go quietly. Jesus must be really charming even to his detractors.
Carry this Jesus in your heart. Discover and catch his joy. Live light and happy!