Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter
When I read today’s gospel passage, I chuckled a little because it appears as if Jesus is setting the disciples up. He is being purposefully vague and illusive, with the intention that they will need to ask him for more. I know I've done this with my own kids at times - told them just enough to get them curious but not enough to give them all of the information. When they are ready and want to know more, they have to come to me, asking the questions.
I have never really thought about God approaching us this way but I think at times, God does. God starts to reveal a little bit of a plan to us, starts to show us what could happen and what a possible reality is, only to leave us with even more questions. And in some ways it forces us to come back and ask more questions - forces us into more prayer. In a way God leads us into prayer. Just earlier today when talking to my husband about discerning some aspects of our future, I turned to him and said, "What is God doing by presenting this option? What I need is to take this to adoration." As plans start to be revealed, I feel God calling to me, asking me to come and talk and ask more questions.
And sometimes, we don't always like the answers. I am sure that the disciples did not like hearing that they would be mourning and weeping while the world rejoices, but there is hope at the end. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Christ assures them, your grief will become joy. In all of our prayers, especially those in times of distress and hardship, we can hold onto this truth that even when God's plans do not make sense and we are in the midst of the stress, the hardship and the confusion, there will be joy. We will rejoice in Christ. Amen.
- Amanda Grimm