Gospel: May 30, 2025
May 30, 2025 (Friday)
6th Week of Easter
Psalter: Week 2 / (White)
Ps 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
God is king of all the earth.
1st Reading: Acts 18:9-18
Gospel: John 16:20-23
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.
Reflection:
“Christ never leaves us.”
Worldly joy ends in grief, while the path of Christ, which includes sorrow, ends in joy. Worldy happiness dissipates or ends in sadness, as it does not last, or becomes stale or no longer satisfies. Our joy in Christ is deeper, and, rather than dissipating, its fullness awaits us in heaven. It will be a joy that no one will be able to take away from us. And so, the joy in the Lord we feel now, though mixed with trials and sorrows, carries us forward, and gives us the hope and courage we need to face our difficulties, just like Saint Paul.
The Apostles are being prepared for a time when they will no longer see Jesus physically. The thought of not having that close companionship brings sorrow, but Christ will come to them in a different way. He will not leave them alone. He will dwell within them, and then finally return in glory to take them to the eternal joy of heaven. “You feel sorrowful now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice; and no one will take your joy from you.” Christ never leaves us. Let us rejoice in that knowledge.
