‘A spiritual joy is the greatest sign of the divine grace dwelling in a soul’ (St. Bonaventure).
St Bonaventure refers to joy in God and for God’s sake, and identifies it as the surest sign of divine grace in man. Indeed, where could this joy come from if not from grace? It is not merely a natural joy, however beautiful that may be. There are people with a very cheerful temperament and a positive attitude towards life, which can be very attractive to others. But this is not yet the joy in God.
Coming from human nature, it is a joy that cannot last when difficult situations arise in life, which can only be overcome in the Spirit of God. Think, for example, of the joy of the apostles when they were persecuted for Jesus’ sake. The Book of the Acts of the Apostles says: ‘They left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name’ (Acts 5:41).
Spiritual joy, which is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, arises from an intimate relationship with God. In reality, this joy dwells constantly in the person who is in God’s grace, but it does not always manifest itself in a sensible way. Nevertheless, it is there in the depths of our soul, and can also serve others as a witness to God’s presence in the lives of the faithful, when they perceive the inner peace and joy that they radiate.
Spiritual joy usually remains hidden and subtly permeates the person, awakening more and more of their true beauty. Thus, their soul is adorned with a divine splendour, and in this way our Father is glorified in His own.