Joy without end


“.But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.-Jn 16:20-23


As I go through the readings of today, I think of my own life experiences when we suffer grief , especially when something devastating changes one’s life or the loss of a loved one that brings pains and distress, yet the world goes on unknowing of what we have been through. Paul had already been put behind bars thanks to the earthquake and now he is accused of “inducing people to worship God contrary to the law.”-Acts 18:9-18. 



On the contrary, Christ in today's Gospel consoles our minds over pain and sorrows. With illustration for instance, as a woman who gives birth to a child, that pain and anguish can be horrible – in the moment. And then, as your newborn baby is placed in your arms moments later, you almost immediately forget the pain you had just experienced, because it is replaced with a joy that you never fathomed. 






Now, think of the day we will see Jesus face to face. The joy of Jesus’ presence before you cannot be compared to any other joy we may experience in our lifetime. All of our suffering, all of our auguish– will all be forgotten and replaced with the joy of His presence. We will no longer be alone; we will no longer be afraid, doubt or question what the Father has in store for us. All of those things we consider the mysteries of our faith will be laid bear. When all of that happens, we will know unending joy.




Always remember his words, I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.



Shalom 


Osho

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