Day 19

Scripture: Isaiah 35:10 — “They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

Clip: Parable of the sower

Reflection:

This parable warns us about superficial joy – the “stony ground” joy that springs up fast and dies at the first sign of trouble (“scorched”). The “everlasting joy” Isaiah speaks of is not this shallow emotion. It is the deep, rooted, cultivated joy of the “good soil.” It’s the joy of perseverance, of a life that has received the Word, held it fast through affliction, and produced a harvest. This is a mature joy, a sober joy, a joy that has cost something.

Prayer:

Father, I confess I want the joy of the stony ground—quick, easy, and painless. But I ask for the joy of the good soil. Give me grace to hold fast to Your Word when the sun is hot and the weeds choke. Make my life a harvest that produces deep, lasting, everlasting joy.

Practice:

Write down a hope you carry for transformation (in your life, community, the world). Pray it out — “Lord, bring Your restoration.”

From the Catechism (CCC):
“In the Christian tradition, joy is seen as a fruit of the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 1831)

From YOUCAT:
“Joy is the gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, especially in perseverance through trials.” (YOUCAT 303)