FRIDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER - Gospel (John 16:20-23) - THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

“You will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.” (Jn 16:20)

FIRST READING - Acts 18:9-18

A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles

One night while Paul was in Corinth, the Lord said to him in a vision,

“Do not be afraid.

Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.

No one will attack and harm you,

for I have many people in this city.”

He settled there for a year and a half

and taught the word of God among them.

But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia,

the Jews rose up together against Paul

and brought him to the tribunal, saying,

“This man is inducing people to worship God contrary to the law.”

When Paul was about to reply, Gallio spoke to the Jews,

“If it were a matter of some crime or malicious fraud,

I should with reason hear the complaint of you Jews;

but since it is a question of arguments over doctrine and titles

and your own law, see to it yourselves.

I do not wish to be a judge of such matters.”

And he drove them away from the tribunal.

They all seized Sosthenes, the synagogue official,

and beat him in full view of the tribunal.

But none of this was of concern to Gallio.

Paul remained for quite some time,

and after saying farewell to the brothers he sailed for Syria,

together with Priscilla and Aquila.

At Cenchreae he had shaved his head because he had taken a vow.

GOSPEL OF THE DAY - 16:20-23

From the Gospel according to John

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn,

while the world rejoices;

you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.

When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived;

but when she has given birth to a child,

she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy

that a child has been born into the world.

So you also are now in anguish.

But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,

and no one will take your joy away from you.

On that day you will not question me about anything.

Amen, amen, I say to you,

whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”

FRIDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER - Gospel (John 16:20-23)

THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

Dear People of God,

Jesus always loved His disciples. He constantly encouraged, comforted, and taught them little by little. He made it known to them that they would face thorns, obstacles, difficulties, and failures on the road ahead.

Jesus is a good God. He is wise and full of understanding, knowing the very nature of human beings. He gave the example of a woman in labor: before giving birth, she suffers greatly, but once the child is born, she is filled with joy and happiness, no longer remembering the pain. He used this example to show the disciples that when Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, they would feel sorrow and disappointment, but great joy and happiness would come behind that sorrow. And this joy, no one can take away: the joy of eternal life with God the Father.

He said that the image of a mother giving birth reflects the love between a couple. The child born out of that love brings happiness. It is a wonderful gift that God gives to humanity. God is very close to human life. He demonstrates His nearness by increasing faith, strength, and courage to those whom He loves so that they can overcome the difficulties and challenges of this world. And behind those trials is the hope of eternal happiness, as God has promised—a happiness that no one can take away.

Therefore, He calls on all whom He loves to look to the future with hope for eternal life. Be faithful and loyal to God. When facing difficulties and challenges, do not give up and do not retreat. To attain a happy and fulfilling life forever, one must absolutely go through trials and suffering. Just like Jesus Christ, To have joy, happiness, and victory over Satan, He also had to undergo purification by death, by sacrificing His life. And after His death, He was glorified by God the Father and redeemed souls from the captivity of Satan.

Jesus loves His disciples. He teaches His faithful followers that if they listen to and obey His Word, they will overcome the difficulties and challenges brought by the world.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

19:00 May 30th, 2025 - Prayer of Divine Mercy - The Way to Heaven