Jesus tells the disciples their sorrow will turn to joy

As we continue the journey towards the Ascension in John’s Gospel (16: 20-23), Fr Paul says we hear again about the highs and lows of building the Kingdom.

Jesus acknowledges that in our lives there are times when we will glimpse God in what we do and these are a source of new hope, new strength and new purpose. There are also times when there is pain and suffering – like now, when we are not able to meeting together for the Eucharist or come together as a community.

Jesus knew these highs and lows would happen and in this Gospel, he is reassuring the disciples and us that any pain and suffering will give way to lasting joy with the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost.  Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

With that in mind, Fr Paul suggests these questions for our daily reflection:
Do I lack joy in my life at the moment because I am not spending time in prayer? Because I need forgiveness? Because I am letting what is happening in the world at the moment get on top of me?