Explore the depths of Trinitarian joy in Luke 10:21. Learn how Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit and reveals the treasures in childlike faith.
I’m ecstatic to read God’s word in the Gospel of Luke 10:21. “In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said: ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to infants; Yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.'” (Lk 10:21)
Jesus’ Joy in Revelation
It warmed my heart to realize the Blessed Lord Jesus is excited when someone understands or grasps the gift of his revelation.
The Greek word used in the above text to describe the joy the Lord felt is “egalliasato.” It conveys the sense of someone who is excited and full of exultation and joy. The feeling is similar to the joy of seeing a loved one, such as a child, win.
Experiencing Joy Like Jesus
Think about a situation where you watch your child in kindergarten, high school, or even college, play his or her first baseball game. Imagine the kind of excitement you’ll have if your child hits a home run that decides the game. It’s comparable, in its highest form, to the joy Jesus felt.
Or imagine the excitement of watching your humble child, whom you thought would never make it through college, graduate with flying colors. Reflect on that very moment and that kind of joy. It isn’t even close to what Jesus felt.
Trinitarian Joy
Did you also notice that the Lord reference to God the Father, and the Holy Spirit was also mentioned? “Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said: ‘I thank you, Father….” Thus, it is a joy that is complete. In other words, a joy which has the participation of three divine persons, a Trinitarian Joy.
Imagine that the joy Jesus feels is the Trinitarian joy for you and me. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit share in the joy when we come to believe in Jesus as Lord. It reminds me of the parable of the lost sheep and lost coin in the Gospel of Luke 15. In that parable, Jesus tells us that there is great joy in heaven when a person welcomes the grace of conversion.
God’s Excitement for Believers
Consider this: God is excited when we discover him and his plans–his revelation is made clearer to us–and we have faith in him as Lord. There is joy when we know Jesus as the truth, our hope, and salvation. There is abundant joy when we participate in the work of God, and our names are written in the Book of Life.
Isn’t it wonderful to be aware that God is excited about the believer? It should stir in our hearts sentiments of gratitude. It is gratitude to God, who has given us the grace to relate with him as a friend and a brother in Christ. Our hearts should be filled with joy when we connect the dots of divine conversation and be part of the work of bearing witness to Christ.
A Prayer for Joy
We ask the Good Lord to open our hearts to see more and more, to connect more and more with the life he has given through Christ. May God fill our hearts with joy, and may our joy be complete. Amen.
God love you. God bless you.
[Saturday Week 26 Ordinary Time: Job 42:1-3,5-6, 12-17; Luke 10:17-24]
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