THURSDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus says some things that confuse His disciples. "A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me." (John 16:16)
Jesus knows the disciples are confused, so he gives them a little more to work with, " '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 16:19-20)
Today is the Ascension of the Lord. We withhold celebrating the Ascension until Sunday in the United States, so today is Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter, but it is still the Ascension. Because it is an important feast day in our faith, the US Bishops moved the Ascension so more people would participate. It's like when your birthday falls on a workday, so you decide to celebrate with your friends over the weekend.
Still, today's Gospel reading gives us a foretaste of His Ascension into heaven. The Lord is reassuring His disciples that He will see them again. For the followers of the Lord, our hope does not remain with the things of this world. Our joy does not rest with our home here on earth; it looks towards the heavenly life. Because the Lord goes before us to set a place for us, we know that when our time here is over, it will not be the end of life but the beginning of new life with Him.
Your grief will become joy.
Hang in there.
The best is yet to come.
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