Faithful joy is anchored in the eternal promises of God, the living hope in Christ, and the assurance of our imperishable inheritance. Because its origins are supernatural, it cannot be described using human words or measured by the standards of this world. In Saint Peter’s address to the Gentile converts of Asia Minor, he references the “indescribable and glorious joy” that results from our incredible privilege of loving the Lord and trusting in God’s plan for salvation (1 Peter 1:1-12).

Our love for Jesus is a response to his love for us, demonstrated by his sacrifice on the cross, his unfathomable mercy, and his promise of life everlasting. Love is the basis for our faith, and faith is the basis for our confident trust in the realities of the Gospel. The inner workings of God enable us to “see” through the eyes of our faith in the absence of outward signs. Our ineffable and resplendent joy pours out of our faith in the unseen and rests on spiritual truth rather than visible proof. In our hearts, Christ remains alive as our savior, active in our daily lives. “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (John 20:29).

Pope Francis explains that “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew.” Our salvation starts now with the realization that we are made for eternal life, our sins can be forgiven, and we can become reconciled with God. Our faithful joy, flowing from that salvific gift, also starts now.

Saint Augustine proclaims that “True happiness is to rejoice in the truth, for to rejoice in the truth is to rejoice in You, O God, who are the truth.” He continues: “Those who think that there is another kind of happiness look for joy elsewhere, but theirs is not true joy.” Faithful joy transcends the ups and downs of this life and reminds us that we serve a greater purpose in His plan. It provides us with a glimpse of the future glory and our ultimate fulfillment in God.

This week, reflect upon the beauty of this passage. Note that Saint Peter concludes his address with a call for holy and reverent living. Consider how a pure lifestyle can increase your joy on earth as well as in heaven by bringing you closer to God. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux reminds us that “The world promises us pleasure, but it is only in Jesus that we find joy.”