Bishop Samano expands on the topic of joy. The reference to the "joy of the Lord" in Nehemiah 8:10 refers at least to the joy that the Lord himself gives. "You can leave now. Eat well, drink sweet drinks and share your food with those who have nothing, because this day has been consecrated to our Lord. Do not be sad, for the joy of the Lord is our strength" (NIV). And the joy to which Hebrews 12:2 refers is clearly the joy that Jesus himself has today in heaven and that sustained him through suffering. It says: "Looking down on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, belittling shame, and sat at the right hand of the throne of God."
