Day 15

Scripture: Philippians 4:4 — “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

Clip: Woman at the well

Reflection:

Joy is not the absence of sorrow, but the presence of recognition. The Samaritan woman was joyless, defined by her shame and isolation. Her joy came when she was fully seen and fully loved anyway. “He told me everything I ever did.” This is the foundation of Christian joy. It is not happiness, which is circumstantial. It is the deep, liberating thrill of being known to your core and loved in that same place.

Prayer:

Jesus, You see me. You know my past, my shame, my secrets. And You stay. You offer me living water. Let this knowledge be the source of my joy. Let it be a joy so real that I, too, “leave my water jar” and run to tell others that I have met the One who sees me.

Practice:

Tell someone about something small today that filled you with gratitude or wonder. Let your joy be shared.

From the Catechism (CCC):
“The Holy Spirit gives joy.” (CCC 736)

From YOUCAT:
“Joy is the result of love. When we love, we already participate in God’s happiness.” (YOUCAT 301)