The Final Gotcha

I tell you most solemnly, you will be weeping and wailing while the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.

Jn.16:20

Jesus is preparing the disciples for his imminent passion and death. He promises that, for believers, grief will never have the final say. Joy does.

If Jesus is our role model for a Christian life then tragedy and suffering are to be part of our lot. But good news! That is never the end of the story. Christianity has the ultimate "gotcha". Joy is always at the end of the story. No matter what happens today, joy is before me.

Thank you Jesus for your promise of joy. I receive that gift again and take it with me today.

Saint Philip Neri, patron saint of joy, please pray for us.