Read Acts 18:9-18, Ps.47:2-7, John 16:20-23
“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” (John 16:20)
Jesus tells us today: “When a woman is in travail she has sorrow because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world. You have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. On that day, you will ask nothing of me.” (John 16:20-23).
What is there to ask for anymore when supernatural joy fills your heart? Nothing. In heaven, our hearts will lack nothing, our restlessness will cease, and we would become one with God. Our short time on earth is like the nine-month period of carrying a pregnancy. It could be tough at times but when we are successful in carrying it to the end, the joy we shall eventually experience shall be so much as to make up for the sorrow of this present life.
However, Jesus does not say that there will be no moments of joy right here on earth. Rather, what he intends to say is that despite our righteousness and diligent obedience of his commandments, we cannot escape some dull moments. So long as we live on earth, we are constantly going to be oscillating between moments of joy and moments of sorrow. This was the experience of Paul in the first reading today.
For a whole year and six months, Paul went about the city of Corinth preaching the Good News of salvation freely. God told him in a vision “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no man shall attack you to harm you.” It is not God’s will that we should live in perpetual misery simply because we do not belong to the world as Christians. No! God ensured that Paul enjoyed a time of joy while proclaiming the message. But this time was limited.
Happiness on earth may be limited but the happiness above is totally unlimited. If we do not experience happiness as we so desire, let us not give up on God or attempt to seek happiness in sin. The devil cannot give what he does not have; it may seem as if we are enjoying for a while but soon it dawns on us that we have been deceived. Child of God, sorrow may last in the night but joy comes in the morning. Never Give up on God!
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may I be fully prepared to receive the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you.
(Friday of the 6th week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 18:9-18, Ps.47:2-7, John 16:20-23)
© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu