DAILY GRACE
May 21, 2020, Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Scripture: John 16:16-20
‘A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me.’ Then some of his disciples said to one another, ‘What does he mean by saying to us, “A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me”; and “Because I am going to the Father”?’ They said, ‘What does he mean by this “a little while”? We do not know what he is talking about.’ Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, ‘Are you discussing among yourselves what I meant when I said, “A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me”? Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy.’
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Meditation
“‘. . . your pain will turn into joy. . .”
The clear implication of what Jesus says here is that God is able to turn sorrow into joy, or at least peace. The Holy Spirit will gently heal our every sorrow and loss. Yes, feelings of grief and sorrow may persist for a long time, but God is there to sustain us through the dark valley. Every difficult moment in our life is an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to comfort us, to transform our lives by infusing divine gifts into our hearts. While we would never choose to suffer, faith tells us we can grow through suffering. We can grow in this time of pandemic, and discover joy amidst the discomfort and loss of old ways. If we are open and listening, new dreams may come from God — dreams that will instill joy and purpose in this time of suffering, anxiety, and uncertainty.
Prayer
Gracious God, giver of our days, your dream for us is always a good dream, one more vast than we can see for ourselves. Your care has shielded us in the past, and embraces our present and every moment of our future. Give us hope in this time of uncertainty. Help us to believe where faith falters, and that in trusting you, you will help us through this valley of the shadow.
Contemplation
Your dream for me is a good dream.