The 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. 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.

As Christians, we are all like expectant mothers. Daily we bear God into the world through our thoughts, words, and works. We give birth to Christ through our good works, our acts of mercy, and our charity. We might be mocked, persecuted, or oppressed for doing God's Will. We might suffer greatly for making God present in the world. We might go through many pains and much anguish because of our decision to bear Christ into the world. But that is what we are called to do. And it is only in passing through these trials that we can come to experience the joy of bearing the Good News to the world. Seeing the face of one person touched by our choices and brought closer to God will be enough to make us forget all the trials that came before.

How are we bearing Christ into the world? What anguish or pains are we suffering? Are we offering them up to God for the reparation of sins and the salvation of souls?

O Lord, help us to bear you into the world without questioning you.

Amen.