Grief becomes Joy

“Are you discussing with one another what I said,
‘A little while and you will not see me,
and again a little while and you will see me’?
Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”

Jn.16:19,20

The disciples are still wrestling with what Jesus is telling them about His imminent death and what it will mean. Jesus spells it out; "You will weep, but your grief will become joy".

Grief becoming joy. This sums up the human condition.  We live in a fallen world that, by definition, involves grief. There is sickness, pain and evil that we have to live with. But Alleluia! That is not the end of our story! After the crucifixion comes the resurrection. After Lent comes Easter.

On my down-days, when my world's fallen-ness overwhelms me, I need to lift up my head and focus on the resurrection.  When I do this my grief becomes joy. Jesus promised it so I believe and claim it.

Thank you Jesus that your dieing and rising means joy can be mine today.

Little Flower, please pray for me.