Jn 16: 20-23 "That joy no one shall take from you "

"In all truth I tell you, you will be weeping and wailing while the world rejoice, you will be sorrowful but your sorrow will turn to joy,...So it is with you: you are sad now, but I shall see you again, and your hearts will be full of joy, and that joy no one shall take from you.  When that day comes, you will not ask me any questions.  In all truth, I tell you, anything that you ask the Father he will grant in my name." (Jn:16-20-23).

The world rejoices in all its glittet and glamour, wealth and vanity while others are in sorrow, poverty and tribulation.  These passages give great hope:  from sorrow to joy.  It is not because one will become rich in material things but rich in the presence of Jesus!

When Jesus is truly in one's heart, the pain of suffering will ease and nothing but comfort.  During the time of the apostles, the presence of the Lord filled their hearts with utter joy, no one can take from them.

As one becomes more prayerful, he experience the transcendent presence of God.  This refers to the mystical experiences of the saints in ecstasy:  like St Theresa of Avila, St Therese of Lisiex, St Anthony of Padua, St Francis  of Assisi, St Faustina, St Margaret Alacoque, St Benedict, St Dominic, St Joseph Cupertino, St Catherine of Siena, St John of the Cross and many more.

It takes the eyes of faith to believe in the mystical experiences.  No one knows except God and the person gifted with the vision.

When the time comes and God beacons one home, as St John wrote, "We will see God face to face."

What a beautiful promise!  Just believe as the Angel Gabriel stressed to Mother Mary in the Annunciation of the Lord, "For nothing is impossible for God."

Let us pray today for an increased faith in Him; for an unwavering hope in the promise of "from sorrow to joy."  That God may grant us the gift of prayer, to always pray to the Heavenly Father in the Name of Jesus.  That God may grant us peace despite of the time of tribulations and problems.  That we may always hope for the best in good times and in not so good times.  Thanks be to God!  All of these we pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.