Acts 18:9-18/ Ps 47:2-3. 4-5. 6-7/ Jn 16:20-23

At his suffering and death, the disciples wept and lamented as Jesus had earlier told them in today’s gospel; but this period later passed. It was then followed by the period of great and uncommon joy; a joy that no one could give nor take away from them. Even when the disciples faced a lot of trials and persecutions, they never lost their joy that came with their experience of the resurrection and ascension of Christ coupled with the descent of the Holy Spirit. They saw everything that happened to them as having the hand of God, as well as a greater purpose, prospect and value.  All these made them see and judge things differently. As Christians, we must allow the resurrection experience to stir this authentic joy in us. No one will take away our joy, if it is built on Christ and our hope in him.

Prayer: Grant, O Lord, that we who are redeemed by the death of your son, may be filled with joy at his resurrection and ascension; a joy so profound that nothing can take away from us. Amen