Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Jn 16:20-23
May 27, 2022 | Friday

Today’s Gospel

Truly, I say to you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. A woman in childbirth is in distress because her time is at hand. But after the child is born, she no longer remembers her suffering because of her great joy: a human being is born into the world. You feel sorrowful now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice; and no one will take your joy from you. When that day comes you will not ask me anything. Truly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.

Today’s Reflection:

Jesus uses the image of a woman in labor to comfort His disciples who will surely grieve when He leaves. This imagery points out two realities: first, pain is necessary for bringing out a birth. Second, it points out the transitory nature of labor pains. Jesus reminds us that there may be pain during childbirth but these pains will eventually pass and will be replaced by the joy of seeing one’s child. There is a happy ending for the mother who sees her child even though there was extreme pain and agony during childbirth. As Christians, let us not dwell on the pain, hurt and sorrow. Rather, let us focus on the joy that we will possess in Jesus Christ. Let us not focus on the cross but let us focus more on the resurrection.  /Vulnerasti, 2022