The Apostle's Fast in the Ancient FaithSýnishorn

Day 2: Joy - Finding True Delight in the Apostle's Fast

On the second day of our journey through the Apostle's Fast, we turn our hearts to contemplate the virtue of joy. In the Christian life and in the midst of fasting and prayer, joy may seem elusive, with our minds on what is our next meal, the troubles of life, and so on but joy is not a fleeting emotion dependent on external circumstances but a profound aspect of our spiritual journey and a steadfast state of the soul that arises from our union with Christ. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that sustains us through trials and tribulations, a divine gift that enables us to rejoice even in suffering, and today we explore the essence of joy, drawing inspiration from the lives of the apostles, the wisdom of the Early Church Fathers, and the enduring joy found in serving God and others.

The Acts of the Apostles (Book of Acts) recounts a moment of profound spiritual joy in the face of adversity: "Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name" (Acts 5:41). The apostles, having been beaten for their testimony of Jesus, found a reason to rejoice - not because of the pain inflicted upon them, but because their suffering was for the sake of the One they loved above all. Their immense, sincere joy was a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which turns sorrow into gladness and despair into hope. In the face of adversity, the apostles found joy in their suffering, knowing that they were privileged to share in Christ's sufferings and advance His kingdom.

St. Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, is a towering figure of joy amidst affliction. Throughout his epistles, he speaks of joy as a hallmark of the Christian life. "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice," he writes to the Philippians (Philippians 4:4) from a prison cell - one of the four letters he wrote while in prison. For St. Paul, joy is not an optional extra, an elective, but a command, an imperative that flows from the assurance of God's sovereignty and the hope of eternal life. St. Paul's joy was rooted in his intimate relationship with Christ, surpassing and eclipsing the circumstances and difficulties, and his letters are imbued with a sense of joy that transcends his chains and the threat of death, a joy rooted in the knowledge that "to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

The Early Church Fathers also spoke of joy, particularly in the context of fasting and prayer. They teach that fasting energizes prayer and prayer energizes fasting. One without the other, they are weak separately but together they give the Christian a deep sense of joy. St. Clement of Alexandria, a theologian of the early Church, in his renowned work, the "Stromata," reflects on the spiritual significance of joy: "Joy is the noblest feeling that the soul is capable of experiencing." He emphasizes that true joy is not dependent on external circumstances but flows from the inner communion with God, attained through fasting, prayer, and the pursuit of virtue. This is a joy that comes from self-discipline and the pursuit of virtue for the one who fasts is light and active and prays wakefully and quenches his passions and propitiates God and humbles his soul. When we fast, we do not merely abstain from food; we feast on the joy of the Lord, which nourishes our souls and lifts our spirits, unifying us with Himself.

In the Coptic Synaxarium, we find the story of St. Mark the Evangelist, the Gospel writer who founded the present-day Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt, whose life was marked by a profound joy in spreading the Gospel. Despite the challenges he faced, including rejection and persecution, St. Mark's joy was undiminished because he knew that he was participating in the divine work of salvation. His joy was not for his own sake but for the sake of those who came to believe through his ministry. His unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel amidst adversity serves as a testament to the enduring joy found in serving God and fulfilling His purpose.

As we fast and pray during this holy season, let us seek the joy that comes from serving God and others. True joy is found not in the accumulation of wealth or the pursuit of pleasure but in the giving of ourselves for the good of others. It is found in the quiet moments of prayer when we commune with God and in the acts of kindness that reflect His love to the world. Let us consider joy’s profound implications for our spiritual journey. True joy is not contingent upon external circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with God. Like the apostles and saints who found joy in suffering for Christ, may we embrace every trial and tribulation as an opportunity to draw closer to Him. Let us cultivate a spirit of rejoicing in the Lord, knowing that our ultimate joy is found in serving Him and others.

In this season of fasting and reflection, let us embrace the joy that is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). May our devotion to this virtue draw us closer to God and to one another, creating a legacy of joy that will endure long after the fast has concluded. Let us go forth with gladness, for the joy of the Lord is our strength, and it is in His joy that we find the fullness of life.

Let us pray:

O Lord, the Source of all joy, fill our hearts with the joy of Your presence. As we journey through the Apostle's Fast, teach us to find joy not in the things of this world but in Your eternal promises. Grant us the grace to rejoice in suffering, knowing that our trials produce endurance, character, and hope. May the examples of St. Paul and the apostles inspire us to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all circumstances. Help us to spread the joy of the Gospel with fervor and dedication, just as St. Mark did in Egypt. May our lives be a living doxology, a hymn of praise to Your glorious name. Amen.