May 19

by David Lins  |  05/19/2020  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

Today’s Readings: ACTS 16:22-34 PS 138:1-3, 7-8 JN 16:5-11

“Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, “Where are you going?” But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go.”

These words come from the lips of Jesus as He prepares his closest friends for his ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Yet, as I read them, I think of those of us who have lost a parent, a spouse, a child, or a best friend.

It is natural and good that grief should fill our hearts. And yet, in time, we must remember, it is not only better for them – should they attain heaven – but for us, as well.

Because the very definition of love is willing the good of another. If we love someone, we want the best for them. If we are believers, we might be tempted to say they were “robbed” of years on earth, but we know (somewhere deep down) that they have been gifted with a fast pass to ultimate joy. If that is being robbed, take my money.

I’m not saying this is easy or that it comes without cost for those of us left behind. I AM saying the knowledge can soothe the heart over time. We slowly come to realize it is not our loved one we think was robbed, but ourselves. We lost years. And I will not dispute this is true.

Yet, we know – WE KNOW – eternity awaits where we will be unified with God and all his children (including those we have lost). On that day, we will understand that fleeting and intense pain was but a sign of how deeply we missed the relationship – the relationship that was a foretaste of heaven.

David is the Director of Faith Formation at Our Lady of Joy. If you have comments or questions, send your emails to dlins@oloj.org.

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