Face of Pure Joy - John Cleary FSC

Rarely does one see a statue or painting of Christ smiling. It is true that Jesus suffered much during his Passion and journey to Calvary, scenes that so many pictures and images present. His beautiful face was saddened by so much suffering and rejection. Many artists seem to have placed their main focus on capturing Jesus suffering.

During his life, Jesus surely had a pleasant smiling face that encouraged his followers to a joyful attitude towards life.

‘When you fast’, he said, ‘do not put on a gloomy look, as the hypocrites do’ (Matthew 6:16).

After his resurrection, his message to the apostles on a number of occasions was, ‘Peace be with you’. Such a greeting was surely associated with joy and happiness, expressed with a smiling face: ‘Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33).

Being filled with the Spirit, Jesus possessed in their plenitude the fruits of the Holy Spirit, among them love, peace and joy (Galatians 5:22). During his preaching and public life he presented these qualities to others. His body language matched his joy-filled message and ministry.

‘Happy are you who weep now, he consoled, ‘later you shall laugh’ (Luke 6:21).

Jesus came to bring Good News. His approach had to be not only convincing but one that offered a promise of joy-filled happiness to his listeners. If Jesus attracted large crowds, as the gospels tell us, he surely must have had a welcoming smile and a deep sensitivity to their needs. He smiled in the presence of his intimate friends: Mary, Martha, Lazarus, the holy women, as well as his apostles. No doubt he could not have restrained himself from smiling at Peter trying to walk on water!

Jesus’ graciousness towards sinners, lepers, cripples, demoniacs and many other less fortunate people must have been accompanied by a personality that was truly welcoming and compassionate. He particularly showed his love for little children, who often surrounded him, putting his arms around them. They enjoyed his smiling gentle companionship (Mark 9:36).

His words towards the end of his life are ones we can keep before us always: ‘These things I have spoken to you, so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full’. (John 15:11)

A moment’s reflection: Jesus gave nicknames to some of the apostles. What nickname would he give to me?