Your Pain will turn into Joy

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Sixth Week :   Thursday*

*Gospel : Jn 16:16-20*

*First Reading : Acts 18:1-8*

*Your Pain will turn into Joy*

*1) The Pain of the Disciples*

When Jesus told about His departure from them, the disciples were very sad. 

Since they were with Jesus, and they knew that without Jesus they can do nothing or they are nothing, they were not ready to get separated from Jesus 

So in this context Jesus tells them that their pain will turn into joy 

*2) Pain turned into Joy, in the life of the Apostles*

When Jesus was betrayed by Judas, He was caught by the soldiers and gradually he was condemned to death by Pilot   

Then the Passion of Christ begins and finally he was crucified and was killed 

During this time the pain of the Apostles were unimaginable. They didn't know what to do 

But finally their pain was turned into joy, when Jesus was raised to life, from death, by the Father 

*3) Pain is not permanent but very short*

It is clear from the Words of Jesus and from the life of the disciples, that pain is very short and joy is very long 

This also shows that, pain is not permanent but only for a moment. Finally it turned into joy  

*4) Pain can't avoided*

It is very clear from the life of Jesus and from the life of the Apostles

If there was one best form with out the pain, Jesus would have definitely chosen 

The very fact that Jesus chose this particular path of pain to joy, pain ad sufferings are inevitable in life 

*5) Joy after Pain*

The joy which comes after having gone through the pain is more powerful, than anything in this world 

Joy come as a result of pain, lasts for long time, and it is for ever in our life 

At the same time, there is no short cut for Joy, without having the experience of some suffering 

*6) Various pains in my life*

The pain of insecurity

The pain of failures

The pain of criticism

The pain of challenges

The pain of humiliation and shame 

The pain of being left alone 

The pain of non cooperation from my own people 

The pain of rejection

The pain of public insult 

The pain of sickness 

The pain of laziness

What can I do, to turn these pains into Joy?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*