What sort of joy are we looking for in this world? Are we looking for joy which is only temporary? Or are we looking for joy that is complete? Some of you may be thinking: “Of course we would want complete joy.” But how do we get complete joy in this world, when we are constantly bombarded with new things or the latest things? For example, some of us may have bought a computer, and initially we are happy with our purchase, but our happiness is short-lived, since a new model or a much more powerful model could have been released shortly after we had bought the computer. Then what happens? Some of us may feel frustrated, since we had purchased too quickly, without waiting for the newer model to emerge. Can we ever attain complete joy from what this world has to offer?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus said to his disciples: “Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments
you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete.” Isn’t it clear that the joy we experience in this world is only temporary? After a while, we would need to find other ways and means to remain joyful. In fact, we may never attain complete joy. However, Jesus is offering a kind of joy which is complete. We can receive this joy which He offers us if we keep God’s commandments and remain in His love.
Some of us may say: “But keeping God’s commandments is hard! How is it possible for us to do so?” It is a question of trust and dependence on God. If we put our trust and dependence in God, and let Him guide our lives; if we are willing to be detached from worldly attractions and pleasures; if we are willing to truly love God and neighbour, with no strings attached, with no conditions; then perhaps we would be able to remain in Jesus’ love and experience complete joy.