Life is hard. Life is fragile. There is constant straining and the struggle is a never ending one. I can lose everything in but a moment. A catastrophe can wipe out everything I have worked for. A severe illness can render me disabled. And I really do not know what tomorrow will bring.
I have found great consolation in an active spiritual life. I am consoled by Christ’s words: “Come to me and I will give you rest.” “Follow me for my burden is light and my yoke is sweet.” “Do not be afraid.” “Peace!” “Love one another as I have loved you.” But He is not a wide-eyed, naive romantic who is blind to the realities of life. He did not promise it to be easy. He asked anyone who would follow Him to carry their cross daily. In today’s Gospel, He admonishes the disciples, “You will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices.”
The early Christians went through a lot of sufferings and persecution for their faith. Today, more than perhaps in any recent periods in history, more Christians are subject to persecution more than ever before. But there is always the consoling Presence of Christ and His words, “You will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them,
“Are you discussing with one another what I said,
‘A little while and you will not see me,
and again a little while and you will see me’?
Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”
John 16:16-20