Gospel in Art: My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full

Au Temps d'Harmonie - La Joie de Vivre - Dimanche au Bord de la Mer by Paul Signac © Mairie de Montreuil, France / Wikimedia

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 22 May 2025
John 15:9-11

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, 'As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.'

Reflection on the Pointillist Painting

In today's Gospel, we hear Jesus speak of his desire for his disciples to experience true joy. He says, 'I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.' Notice that he does not speak of joy in general, but of his own joy-a joy rooted deeply in his relationship with the Father. These words were spoken on the eve of his crucifixion, a moment of great suffering. And yet, Jesus could still speak of joy because it stemmed from his unshakable conviction that he was infinitely loved by God. If we come to realise that we too are loved with that same infinite love, then we too can share in this joy... a joy not dependent on circumstances, but on divine relationship.

The joy Christ offers is not merely a cheerful disposition or the simple pleasure of living. French historian Jules Michelet described la joie de vivre as "a harmonious state, a peaceful existence within nature." This more earthly joy connected to nature is beautifully illustrated in Paul Signac's pointillist painting, In The Time of Harmony, families and friends enjoy a sunlit day by the sea: children play, men compete in boules, women laugh and dance, someone paints in the shade. The painting's full title, The Golden Age is not in the Past, it is in the Future, echoes a hope-filled vision of human flourishing. This natural joy is real and good, but the joy Jesus speaks of goes much deeper.

Indeed, in the Gospels, joy emerges as one of the defining marks of the Christian life. It is the visible sign of a heart filled with the Holy Spirit and stands among the chief fruits of a life lived in Christ. Far from being a fleeting emotion, Christian joy is enduring. It is born from knowing that we are held in the love of God, no matter what life may bring.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-15-9-11-2025/ (with audio)