Wednesday, April 24, 2013

GOSPEL: John 16:16-23

Gospel Reading

A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.  Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?  They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.  Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?  Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.  A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.  And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.  And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

Gospel Commentary

"Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy."  Such is the promise of Jesus, to His believing children, who through much trial and tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.  He has promised us that the sorrows of this world will finally come to an end, and we will enter the joys of heaven above, an eternal Sabbath of joy.  By the earthly example of a woman who first goes through the pains of childbirth, but then has joy, such is the life of believers in this world which hates us, but then sorrow is turned to joy.  Even on earth we can and do have much joy, but this is spiritual joy, the joy of faith, knowing the love of Christ, His love for us.  In the midst of trials then we still can have peace and joy of heart, "for I know that my Redeemer liveth" and He will come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead.  Though we were dead, His Spirit has quickened us in faith by the call of the Gospel.  Knowing Him who loved us, our hearts "shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."

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