Grief will be transformed into joy

May 27, Friday, Sixth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 18:9-18; John 16: 20-23

The path to a new life is lengthy, lonely, and arduous. But if we believe in Jesus, we will keep going on the journey with him, no matter how hard things get.

We may experience difficulties and challenging times in our lives. These may have been times when we experienced illness, challenges in a relationship, or the loss of a loved one. We experienced emotions of anger, fear, sadness, grief, and loss during this difficult time. We could not feel a sense of the presence of God with us at that time of difficulty.

In today’s reading, Jesus warns his disciples that difficult times will come for them. There will be times when they will weep, mourn, and grieve. There will also be times when their grief will be transformed into joy. To help his disciples understand his message, Jesus uses the image of a woman who is in labor with her child.

Yes, labor is complex, and the pain is excruciating. A tremendous gift was born from that pain.

There is no greater joy than seeing her child emerge from the womb. A new life has come into the world.

Jesus wants his disciples to know and believe that new life will come forth for them after the difficult days of his crucifixion and death. Jesus also wants us to know and believe that we will experience new life after our difficult days.

Our part is to trust and be watchful of his coming. But this is not easy. We may know Jesus will come again, but when life is difficult and painful, we may not trust that new life and hope will ever return to us.

Often, the journey to a new life is long, barren, and arduous. However, if we truly trust Jesus, we will stay on the trip with him despite the many difficulties and pains.

Jesus promises, "Whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you."

May the assurance of Jesus be our hope and confidence.