(Jn.16:16-24)
In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus speaking about his departure and the temporary sadness that would come to the disciples because of his absence from their midst. Actually, Jesus was speaking about his death, resurrection and ascension into heaven when he was referring to his departure. Jesus assures them that the sorrow would be only a temporary phenomenon. Jesus makes it clear that they would be protected more strongly after his departure and that what whatever they ask the Father in His name would be granted to them.
Jesus makes them understand that his Resurrection will be the strongest reason for their joy. The risen Jesus is eternal and immutable, beyond the ravages of time. It is this protection of his risen presence that He is offering to them
To all of us, struggling and grappling with the challenges and problems of life, Jesus offers protection and comfort. Often, caught in the midst of loss of jobs, financial insecurity, or of sicknesses , we find ourselves without any moorings and adrift in the sea of hardships. We often wonder whether there will be any one to offer us support and strength. There are times in our lives when we feel lonely and troubled because of hateful attitudes or abusive attacks from colleagues and neighbors .In those moments we are at a loss to find peace and strength in our lives. It is then the words of Jesus become more meaningful and powerful: “I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice and no one will take your joy from you.”
The joy of the Resurrection can only be experienced in the background of the Cross. It is the suffering and death of Jesus that made the glorious phenomenon of the Resurrection such a stupendous experience. We can understand and experience the joy of the Resurrection more meaningfully when we pass through rejection, suffering and solitude. It is when we think we are all alone or the whole world is against us or when we are condemned without any reason, that we really experience the joy of the Resurrection as Jesus reaches out to us, reminding us that He is always with us. We are never alone. Resurrection makes us understand that nothing on earth can any more take away the joy and peace from our hearts as long as we believe in him and walk with him. Jesus is the anchor of our life and the fortress of our protection.
Without any ambiguity or reservation, He tells us that whatever we ask in His name will be granted to us by our heavenly Father.
With great humility and feelings of repentance, we shall approach our Heavenly Father and place our requests to him in the name of His beloved Son. Spiritual transformation has to happen in the depths of our souls. We have to repent of our sins and reconcile ourselves with our neighbors “There are so many unwashed dishes in the sink of our consciences; our souls look like unmade beds. But if only once we would be humble enough to look inside and admit the mess, we would see how God can write straight with our crooked lines.”(Archbishop Sheen)
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