💖 HOMILY - MAY 18 💖

First Reading - Acts 18:1-8

Gospel - John 16:16-20

Life is full of mysteries which we don't understand; such is also the kind of mystery of sufferings. The readings of today invite us to trust in Jesus to overcome the mystery of our time of suffering.

The gospel passage reminds us that time is a difficult factor for humans to integrate fully into their understanding of the perspectives of God. The same bewilderment is seen in disciples on the mention of the "little while" by Jesus. In fact, Jesus tries to reassure the disciples by the usage of the "little while" on account of discouragement and sadness that would follow his passion and death. Jesus conveys to them that sadness is not going to be perpetual fate for them but joy will return with his resurrection. Therefore, Jesus invites the disciples to trust in him and not be lost in his "little while" of absence. The disciples are urged, through the passage, to hope in the awaiting joy of the return of Jesus in his resurrection.

The first reading throws light on the disheartening situation faced by Paul and his companions who were so committed to preach the good news. The passage highlights that Jews paid deaf ears to the preaching of Paul. It was a great surprise for him but he didn't give up there, rather continued his work of preaching, this time not among the Jews but among the gentiles. Paul and his companions exhume resilience and great confidence in God. They didn't get discouraged by the unreceptive response of the Jews but were encouraged to preach the gospel among the gentiles.

Dear friends, we do come across the mystery of "little while" in our lives. The "little while" can mean the moments of absence of Jesus in our lives, the moments of sadness in our lives, or the moments of confusions and discouragement. Jesus reassures us that they are only short-lived and not permanent; joy will return. We need to learn to trust in Jesus in his promise of return of joy with him in our lives. Paul and his companions set a beautiful example of confidence and joy in doing what was expected of them despite unreceptive response by some Jews. We can also learn from them that our sadness, confusion, discouragement cease to exist in the presence of Jesus in our lives. Therefore, even if there lies the mystery of 'time' but our trust in Jesus can overcome it. Let's never cease to do what is expected of us even if the situation is bad and disheartening, Jesus will certainly show us the way.

Let's place our confidence and trust in Jesus.