It is often in the most unexpected moments that we discover a time of joy.  Joy is not something that you can ‘book’, or order on Amazon.  Although Joy can be that sense of excited anticipation as you open an Amazon parcel as the little kid inside you pretends it’s a present! (even though it is something you ordered!).  You can arrange to do things that you know from experience or expectation might bring happiness, but that is not the same thing as Joy.  Joy is something much deeper.  A sense of joy is not just possible when things are going well, but when things are difficult too, in fact, especially so.  It is a state of being, through which we can also bring joy to others.

One such moment that I became aware of the power of Joy was on Tuesday.  I had some time between meetings and Michelle was using the office, so I decided it was a good opportunity to sit down and either read or watch something interesting.  Scrolling through the documentaries on BBC IPlayer I landed on the documentary “Mission : Joy”, which is the film of the meeting in 2015 between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and The Dalai Lama.  It was spell binding, and the joy shared between those two great spiritual leaders, and in their answers to some huge questions, is simply infectious.  If you have time, please do watch it!  BBC iPlayer – Mission: Joy – With Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama

This Sunday our Gospel reading is the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-9).  Jesus has taken 3 of his disciples away to a mountain top and in a moment of shining glory is transformed in front of them.  They are literally awestruck and ask to remain there – but after the moment has passed Jesus leads them back down the mountain to their companions and the continuation of their work.  This is joy – the hard work continues, but it continues in a new way, transformed by the joy they experience and receive (and carry with them).

There will be moments of joy in your everyday.  They may be hard to find – but they are there.  Take note of them, let them dwell deep within you, and let them be transformative for you, and those around you.  As Mother Teresa said, “Joy is prayer; joy is strength: joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls”.