The WORD
today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052617.cfm)
reminds me that the joy that comes from God is greater than all our pain
and concerns.
Back in high school, I remember
that for some reason, I feel down when rain is pouring hard, but when the sun
is brightly shining, I feel better. The sun gives me energy and good vibes. I
associate darkness with sadness, and light with hope and energy. Then
in one of our chemistry class, our teacher explained that there are molecules
or elements in the rain that really affects the mood of a person. The same way
that the sun gives us energy, it symbolizes hope and new beginnings.
In the gospel, we see Jesus
explain this. We will weep and mourn, but our sadness will become joy. And the
joy he gives us is great – great enough to make us forget the sadness we
experienced before it. IT is a joy that only God can give. It is a joy because
of God’s love. It is the joy we can get if we remain in God.
God's joy
is greater than all of the pain and challenges in life.
Our
lives are full of challenges and trials – especially when we do God’s work.
However, we should be inspired and assured of a joy that will make us forget
everything. God is faithful, and as
long as we remain in Him, we
will surely experience his blessings and his joy.
We will surely experience God’s love.
And when we do, we will forget the pain. We will be overwhelmed with God's joy,
with God's peace, with God's love.
May we remember that despite
everything we are going through, despite all the problems and difficulties, God
will eventually give us joy that will make us forget all the pain. We just have
to remain in him and endure the challenges until that time.
Father God,
Thank you for
today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another weekend coming
up. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for forgetting this. Sorry for the
times I let grief, pain and challenges overwhelm me and bring me down.
Sorry for forgetting who you are and what you bring. Lord, I pray that
you help me remain focused on you. i experience challenges and difficulties in
life, but I remain focused on you and will hope on the joy only you can bring.
Keep me in your love. Strengthen me. Guide me. Use me. Amen.
Blessed
day!
In
Christ,
-g-
Ps
See
related reflection:
May 26, 2017
Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest
Lectionary: 295
Reading 1ACTS 18:9-18
"Do not be afraid.
Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.
No one will attack and harm you,
for I have many people in this city."
He settled there for a year and a half
and taught the word of God among them.
But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia,
the Jews rose up together against Paul
and brought him to the tribunal, saying,
"This man is inducing people to worship God contrary to the law."
When Paul was about to reply, Gallio spoke to the Jews,
"If it were a matter of some crime or malicious fraud,
I should with reason hear the complaint of you Jews;
but since it is a question of arguments over doctrine and titles
and your own law, see to it yourselves.
I do not wish to be a judge of such matters."
And he drove them away from the tribunal.
They all seized Sosthenes, the synagogue official,
and beat him in full view of the tribunal.
But none of this was of concern to Gallio.
Paul remained for quite some time,
and after saying farewell to the brothers he sailed for Syria,
together with Priscilla and Aquila.
At Cenchreae he had shaved his head because he had taken a vow.
Responsorial PsalmPS 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
or:
R. Alleluia.
All you peoples, clap your hands,
shout to God with cries of gladness,
For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,
is the great king over all the earth.
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He brings people under us;
nations under our feet.
He chooses for us our inheritance,
the glory of Jacob, whom he loves.
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;
the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our king, sing praise.
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
AlleluiaSEE LK 24:46, 26
"Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead,
and so enter into his glory."
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 16:20-23
"Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn,
while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.
When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived;
but when she has given birth to a child,
she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy
that a child has been born into the world.
So you also are now in anguish.
But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.
On that day you will not question me about anything.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you."
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