Thanks so much for joining us for our reflections on the gospel of John.  Today is Day 37.  Contact us at www.markandkatiemartinez.com

A Reflection on John 16:16-33

“So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (v 22)

How often do we feel like the Apostles did: “What does he mean…?  We do not know what he means.” (v 18).  It is confusing because we can’t always understand why we must have sorrow.  When He has promised us great joy, why do our days feel like we are slogging through life?  Why do our daily obligations, the little requirements of our vocation, make us feel crushed beneath a weight we cannot carry any longer?

Jesus reminds us that pain is temporary.  This sorrow is temporary.  He reminds us that great sorrow is never without reason, like the woman in labor, our sorrow will bear life, if we let it.  He doesn’t just remind us, he promises us.  “Your sorrow will turn into joy.” (v 20).

And the Spirit, living in our hearts, reminds us of these promises.  He gives us faith to believe them, and hope to trust in them.  He gives us great love to fill our hearts with true joy, as we come to understand that all sorrow has meaning.

When we come to know that, when we assent to the truth of that promise, then we are becoming who we truly are meant to be.  When, even in the midst of sorrow and confusion, we can remember that promise, then it will come to fulfilment in us: our hearts will rejoice, and no one will be able to take our joy away from us.

Prayer: Oh, Jesus.  I get so discouraged by life sometimes.  It all feels like too much.  Jesus, in these times, send your Spirit down like a fire into my soul, so that I remember your promise:  my sorrow will turn into joy.  I believe, Jesus, help my unbelief.

Scripture quotations are from The Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright ©1965, 1966 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved worldwide.