THE JOY THAT COMES AFTER THE HARDSHIPS

Perhaps we notice by now that for the most part during this Easter season, we have been reading from the Acts of the Apostles in the first reading of the weekday liturgies. Whereas for the Gospel readings in these last weeks of Easter, they are from Jesus’ so-called Farewell Discourse (Chapters 14-17 of the Gospel according to John).

Today’s pair of passages is interesting for the connection we can make between them. In Jesus’ very tender and consoling words in the Gospel, He speaks of the post-Resurrection joy by using the metaphor of a woman’s birth pangs. He assures His disciples (and us, too), “You are sad for a time, but I shall see you again; then your hearts will rejoice with a joy no one can take from you.”

These words seem to find an excellent application and fulfillment in the adventure of Paul, narrated in today’s episode from the Acts of the Apostles. The Lord, in a vision, spoke to him, assuring and encouraging him to go on preaching without fear. It turns out that Paul stayed in that place (the notorious dock city of Corinth) for 18 months, with the help of supportive laypersons such as Priscilla and Aquila. Moreover, what immediately follows is the incident of Paul being accused before the Roman proconsul Gallio. Strangely (and, we should say, fortunately for Paul), the case is at once dismissed.

We can only imagine Paul’s joy — an interior joy, surely, for it is not without trials and difficulties. Nevertheless it has with it a deep contentment coming from the fulfillment of God’s will.

Yes, there may be hardships left and right, but if deep within we believe and we know that we are heeding God’s holy will, then we can look forward to that joy that no one can take away from us. Whatever pains and sufferings besetting us will certainly give way to the happiness that God assures us.  Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

In the midst of suffering, do I easily give up? Or do I hold on to the promise of God that He is with me always and that He is leading me to joy at the end of my trials?

 

Lord, strengthen my faith that You will turn my pain into joy when the tough times are over.

 

St. Gonzaga Gonza, pray for us.