joy
In this week’s reading from the Gospel According to John 15:9–17 (NABRE), Jesus makes an unusual promise of joy to those who follow his commandments. In New Testament language, love and peace are much more common positive outcomes of following Jesus.
What is the meaning of joy in the Christian sense? How do you think it is that joy might differ from happiness? Do you think that joy is something Jesus’ first disciples would have understood and wanted? Is joy something that you value highly in the context of your spiritual life?
The Greek word translated as joy is χαρά (chara) and has a fairly straightforward meaning of “delight.” What makes this word chara interesting is that it shares a common root with the word χάρις (charis), which is the Greek word for grace. What this connection suggests is that in the New Testament there is a strong connection between joy and grace. That connection between these two concepts is lost when the passage from the Gospel According to John is translated to English.
What do you think constitutes grace? In what ways do you think that the concept of joy and grace are brought together in Jesus Christ? How might joy and grace be connected in your own spiritual life?
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Scripture & the Rosary: New Testament Mysteries, Old Testament Parallels, a 26-lesson Catholic Bible study with an imprimatur, looks at the biblical foundations of the Rosary. The study includes lessons on Pope St. John Paul II’s Rosarium Virginis Mariae (Rosary of the Virgin Mary), the Apostles’ Creed, and the Luminous Mysteries as well as the original 15 Mysteries of the Rosary. Color photographs of stained glass windows depict key scenes in the lives of Jesus and Mary. In lieu of a sample, check out our free digital lessons.
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