In what does this joy consist? It is a hard concept for us, because we live in, and are heavily influenced by, a culture that defines happiness as possessing stuff. The Puritan concept that God materially blesses those whom he favors leads in a direct line to the Prosperity Gospel. Yet, despite the affluence and consumer goods, the nation seems increasingly unhappy and angry. Millions get through the day only by dulling their psychic pain with mountains of legal and illegal drugs to stave off anxiety and depression. Is it time to reject the Puritans and Prosperity Prophets? Jesus notes that Mammon is a hard master, not a source of joy.

To use the Pauline analogy, as newborn babes can only tolerate milk, perhaps we can only begin with small steps to recapture the joy. “You must be joyful” is, of course, an exhortation of no value. Joy is not an obligation any more than it is a consumer product. Our source of joy is not found in religion, cultic observance, nor obedience to commandments. It comes from the power of the Resurrection, from that single, transforming fact, both historical and contemporary, “Christ is risen.”

Without that single fact, even the richest world is desolate. With it, even the most hopeless world is rich. Therein lies the joy.

– Bp Win Mott