Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
SUNDAY, May 24 Easter 7
John 17:6-19. ...so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves.
"I have found a fullness of joy that is more than full. It is a joy that fills the whole heart, mind, and soul...and yet joy beyond measure still remains." So wrote St. Anselm nearly a millennium ago. His had not been an easy life--rejected by his father, arm-twisted into accepting appointment as archbishop of Canterbury, then often in conflict with the king. Yet he "found a fullness of joy that is more than full." Where did it come from?
Where does it come from? Joy comes from embracing the divine will and trusting that the prayer of Jesus to the Father in John 17 will be answered. Jesus' prayers are always answered because they always agree with the Father's will. He prayed that his joy would fill our hearts. Though hated by the world, we know the "fullness of joy," for we are one with Jesus just as he is one with the Father. If we lack joy, it is because, unlike Jesus, our wills diverge from that of the Father. Once we surrender to the Father's will and claim the promise, we will know that "fullness of joy" of which Anselm spoke. Joy is the distinguishing mark of the true Christian.
PRAY for the Diocese of Kentucky (Province IV, U.S.)
Ps 1; Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; 1 John 5:9-13
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Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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