complete

I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. – John 15:11 (NRSV)

Complete is always beyond reach, a place we have not yet come.  It’s sister is contentment.  For even as I am content in a moment, like after a good meal, I will be hungry again.  As long as I’m living, can I be complete?

Somehow, on this side of heaven, Jesus says it is possible for our joy to be made complete.  Even in the midst of death or persecution; betrayal or uncertainty.  Even in the midst of  famine or flood; illness or war; injustice or prejudice; Republicans or Democrats.

Complete joy in the seeming absence of it.
This is one of the mysteries of our faith.

Or it would be if joy was where we started and ended.  But if we look at the things Jesus’ says to the disciples (and says to us), joy is the result love.

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.  – John 15:9-10 (NRSV)

Joy is born out of love and the decision to love.  It is our choice to abide in the love that made the Word become flesh.  It is our choice to abide in the love that crosses every boundary and obstacle humanity sets up against it.  It is our choice to be loved by Love itself.

Complete joy isn’t humanly possible because the joy that Jesus offers transcends the limits of humanity. Complete joy isn’t about denying that we will be hungry again.  It’s about accepting the hunger, trusting that we will be fed again.

May our joy be complete.

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It’s Friday, which means another 5-minute free write on today’s prompt.  You can read more writing here.