Sixth Friday of Easter

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.

Loving God and our neighbors requires sacrifice and suffering if we want to do it right. Love asks us to labor with patience, mildness, and perseverance so that one day we can give birth to good works that will ripple out into the world. Like children whom we care for and nurture, these acts of charity and mercy go out into the world and show our neighbors that we are Christians by our love. When we see these good works bear fruit, we forget all of the sacrifices they required from us and are thankful for the graces which flowed from our actions.

What are our current labors of love? What are we willing to suffer and sacrifice for? How can we reflect on the sufferings and good works in our lives in such a way as to grow in our capability to love God, ourselves, and others?

O Lord, help us to give birth to good in the world.

Amen.