Prayer: O Jesus, turn my sorrows into joys.
Imagination: (Picture Jesus with the apostles at the Last Supper.)
Context: Jesus has spoken of “a little while.” Because the disciples are confused, Jesus explains what this means. He speaks of a joyful woman who has given birth. This “birth” is his rising from the dead.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Jesus said, “In a little while, you shall not see me. Again, a little while and you shall see me, because I go to the Father.”
The disciples did not understand and Jesus knew they wanted to ask him, so he said, “Why do you inquire among yourselves about this little while? Amen, amen, I say to you. You shall weep and lament while the world shall rejoice. You will be sorrowful but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow. However, when she brings forth the child, she does not remember her suffering because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So, you now have sorrow, but I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice and no one will take your joy from you.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
1. The “little while” is the darkness of those three days between Jesus’ death and resurrection.
2. Naturally, the disciples did not understand. They could not grasp the mystery that Jesus would rise.
3. During those three days, the world rejoiced and the disciples grew sad.
4. Their sadness was like a woman about to give birth.
5. Their sorrow became joy when Jesus rose from the grave.
6. After they saw Jesus, the world could never take away the apostles’ joy.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
1. O Jesus, how often I experience moments of sadness, when you seem far away.
2. In this “Little while” You hide yourself and make me wait for you.
3. Your absence multiplies my joy at your return.
4. Return quickly Jesus. Rise again within me.
5. When you come to me, no one takes away my joy.
6. At my death, you will be there. I will await you.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
1. I will ask Jesus to come to me, today.
2. I will never allow anything to steal my joy.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation)
No one will take your joy from you.