To be a follower of Jesus is to have feelings that seem to be at odds with the world

Reading: Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. John 16:20.

Good morning, happy Thursdays, and many blessings.

In today’s Gospel (John 16: 16-20) Jesus told his disciples: “For a little while you will not see me, but after a while you will see me.”  The disciples looked at one another and asked: “What does Jesus mean when he says he is going to the Father?  Is he going to leave us for a time?  And how much time is a little time?  The disciples were confused by Jesus’ words. 

Jesus knew they were upset, and he realized that they had many questions they wanted to ask Him.  He said to them: “I know you are wondering what I meant when I said: “You won’t see me for a while but after a while you will see me.”  He then adds: “Yes, you will cry and be sad, but the world will be happy.  You will be sad, but later your sadness will become joy.” The disciples were even more confused by these words.  What he saying?  What did His words mean for them?

The disciples did not understand that Jesus was appointing them to be the messengers who would carry His words and teaching to the whole world.  At this point, they were afraid of Jesus disappearing once again.  Jesus was empowering them and calling them to share his message of love and salvation with the people of the world.  Jesus promised that He always would be with them, although it would be in a very different way.

At times, we may not understand Jesus’ instructions to us.  We may become confused and afraid.  However, if we trust in Jesus, His plan for us will unfold and we will sense that Jesus is walking beside us and guiding us!  Today and every day, may we pray for one another that we will trust Jesus in all things.

Am I like the disciples in today’s passage? Do I get irritated by some of Jesus’ words because I don’t understand them? Do I go over them again and again in my mind, discussing them with myself? Once again, I remind myself to move from my head to my heart, where the Holy Spirit will guide me into the truth of whatever Jesus has to say to me. I let go of my desire to understand intellectually, and I open my heart to the action of the Holy Spirit within me.

What Jesus said was not always understood by the disciples, and sometimes their talking to each other seemed only to give rise to more questions. There are times when I need to turn Jesus' words over in my heart rather than seeking the answer outside in discussion or inspiration points. Perhaps I can recognize where Jesus has, at times, been hidden from me and, at other times, revealed.

To be a follower of Jesus is to have feelings that seem to be at odds with the world. Jesus does not promise removal of mourning immediately. I pray for the patience that I may need; and for wisdom.

Blessings,

Fr. Luis+