Joy is a universal desire, embedded deeply in every human heart. For Christians, joy is meant to be our defining characteristic. Like the saints, we are called to “rejoice always” (Phil. 4:4), even amid profound suffering, with joy serving as our most powerful tool for evangelization.
Yet, despite this call, joy often feels elusive. We can pray, attend Mass, read Scripture, and perform acts of charity, yet struggle to experience the joy that the saints radiate.
This struggle often stems from a misunderstanding of joy itself. Without a clear definition or grasp of its nature, we risk pursuing it through ineffective means, leaving us unfulfilled and frustrated.
In his Summa Theologiae, St. Thomas Aquinas distinguishes between two forms of joy: emotional joy and spiritual joy:
| Aspect | Emotional Joy | Spiritual Joy |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A passion that arises from experiencing a “present good” (STh, I-II, q. 25, a. 4). | A deeper, rational delight rooted in the possession of the highest good — God Himself (STh, I-II, q. 31, a. 3): “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4). |
| Source | Temporal goods, such as enjoying a meal or reuniting with a loved one. | Spiritual goods, particularly the soul’s communion with God through charity (II-II, q. 28, a. 1).”The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy…” (Gal. 5:22). |
| Stability and Effect | Transitory and fleeting, dependent on external circumstances, providing temporary pleasure and satisfaction. These emotional joys are meant to be received with gratitude and looked at as “signs” pointing to the greater pursuit of true, spiritual joy. | Enduring and profound, tied to the soul’s alignment with God’s will and grace, resulting in lasting contentment and peace as the “effect of charity” (II-II, q. 28, a. 4). “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Pt. 1:8-9). |
| Fulfillment | Ultimately unsatisfying, as temporal goods cannot fulfill the infinite longing of the soul. | Fully realized only in heaven, where the soul possesses God without obstacles in the beatific vision (II-II, q. 28, a. 3). “I will see you again, and you will be filled with joy, and that joy no one will take from you” (Jn. 16:22). |
Reflection
- Reflect on your moments of emotional joy. How do these experiences, while fleeting, point to a deeper longing for spiritual fulfillment? Thank God for these gifts as signs of His love.
- Consider your experiences of spiritual joy. How have these moments drawn you closer to God, transformed your heart, and given you a foretaste of heaven? If you haven’t experienced spiritual joy, ask God for this gift.
- Identify one concrete step you can take to align your life more fully with God’s will and prepare your heart to receive His gift of joy.
Conclusion
The universal longing for joy can only be fully satisfied in God. Emotional joy, while valuable, remains fleeting and ultimately unfulfilling. Spiritual joy, rooted in the possession of God as the supreme good, endures and deepens as we grow in charity and surrender to God’s will. Don’t pursue joy. Pursue God. Place Him as your supreme good. Let Him surprise you with joy.
Prodigal Catholic 
Dear Father Richard, Thank you very much for sharing with us, your readers and your fans, wh
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