From the Gospel according to John. Jn, 16:20-23
Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. On that day you will not question me about anything.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”
Lord, I have seen You coming in that second and final coming. Then our hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away our joy. However, do we really need to wait for that moment for no one to be able to take our joy away? If that were the case, it would mean that I still have doubts about Your return at the end of time. Because if I am certain of it, why would I need to wait for that hour? I am already joyful, Lord, and no one can take away my joy.
Martha: Why do you depend so much on me to be joyful? If I’m doing well, great but if not, you fall apart, and that doesn’t help at all.
Peter: I’d like to say that if you’re well, I’m well. But the truth is, deep down, if you’re not well, it bothers me not to feel well myself. So yes, you’re right. I should be focused on what we’re called to become, not just on how things are at the moment.
Martha: That would really help me, honestly. But I know I don’t make it easy for you sometimes.
Peter: With Christ’s love between us, I have the grace to endure those moments. I trust He’ll help me next time. I’ll stop thinking about myself and focus on His love, which is stronger than death.
Martha: Thank you, dear. God bless you.
We have enough faith to be joyful always. May trials not take our joy away. Praise be to the Lord who has risen.
