FRIDAY MAY 10, 2024
FRIDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER AFTER ASCENSION OF THE LORD.
Act 18:9-18
John 16:20-23
LOOKING BEYOND THE DIFFICULTIES, PROBLEMS AND HARDSHIP OF HUMAN EXISTENCE.
Life on earth is not always rosy as many think. Life could be filled with hardships, problems and difficulties. The essence of life does not lie in acquiring wealth, or commanding powers or influence or in enjoying pleasurable moments. Success in life, material acquisition, pleasure and powers are attained with some elements of striving, difficulties and problems. There is no success without striving. There is no rose without thorns.
In today Gospel, Jesus encourages his disciples along this line of thought, stating that for a Christian, or his followers, weeping, sorrowing, lamentations are part and parcel of our life experiences. These can come from very diverse and many sources. It could be infused by human wickedness through persecution, it could be natural through sickness and human incompatibility, it could equally be our own faults through carelessness in life, it could equally be natural through God’s will and desires. Wherever source it arises, the point is that we contend with many distressing situations in life and they must never break us. There is always a remedy. They are always short lived and they sometimes lead to glory, goodness, happiness and joy.
Jesus presents the case of a woman in labour who later after deliver forgets the agony she had gone through because of the gift of a child. And invariably children come from many sorrows and difficulties. Good things generally are received from the thorn. Even the rose flower in its beauty is surrounded by thorns.
Christian life likewise is filled with so much thorns, discouraging as they may be yet all these are necessary for the life of glory. In the first reading, the apostle Paul was encouraged in these word as he was on mission in Corinth. “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one shall attack you to harm you; for I have many people in this city.” So when the uproar started and Paul was arrested for speaking the truth and preaching the gospel, and he was brought to the Proconsul of Achaia, his case was dismissed for want of evidence. And the promises of the Lord come true.
Our difficulties, problems and headaches in life melt and dissolve under the guiding hand and protection of our God. There is alway joy in the morning. So whatever we go through in life, hold fast, hold your head high and wait for divine intervention, deliverance and blessings thereafter. Peace, joy, happiness and progress comes for a patient, humble and trusting person. The yoke can never crush us because we are conquerors and dependent on him who is the author and master of the world.
Heavenly Father, in truth, you continue to save and deliver us in adverse situations and exult us in the midst of difficulties and problems. We thank you and we beg you, continue to grant us patient mind, trusting and strong faith, and disposed heart in the mysteries of life. May we gain blessings, glory and progress after every striving, difficulties and problems of life. Sustain and heal us as we journey in life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
