JOHN 16:20-23 SORROW WILL NOT HAVE THE LAST WORD

Year A, Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Jesus tells His disciples today, “You will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”

That is hard to believe when we are in the middle of pain. When we face disappointment, sickness, loss, family struggles, or uncertainty, joy can feel very far away. Sometimes we simply try to get through the day.

Jesus does not ignore that reality. He does not tell the disciples not to grieve. He knows they will feel fear, confusion, and sadness. But He also tells them that their suffering will not be the end of the story.

And that is important for us too. Many times, we think difficult moments mean God has abandoned us. But often, God is quietly working even there—in ways we cannot yet see.

Jesus uses the image of a mother in labor pain. The pain is real, but it leads to new life.

That does not remove our struggles, but it gives us hope. Our pain is not meaningless. God can bring growth, strength, compassion, and even deeper faith out of what we go through.

So today Jesus reminds us gently: sorrow is real—but it will not have the last word.

Question to ponder today: In the middle of my struggles, can I trust that God is still leading me toward hope and new life?

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler