Although you may be in anguish, I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice and no one will take your joy away from you... (John 16:21-22)

Our second reading today from John’s Gospel helps me recall that regardless of one’s choice of lifestyle or vocation in life, being a disciple of Jesus involves a complex interplay of faith, family and friends—in other words a family affair. Like it or not, we are all in this together, for better or for worse. Akin to the disciples of Jesus, we experience anguish, fear, grief and suffering as well as the profound joy of breaking bread and the sharing of the ordinary as well as the extra ordinary moments of daily life.  How often have we anguished, grieved, wept, and mourned with family, friends and colleagues over the loss of a job, a home and the death of loved ones only to see that anguish and grief become profound joy with a family or a friend’s Wedding, the arrival of a newborn, a First Communion, a Graduation, a special birthday, anniversary or a vacation adventure abroad—simply celebrating life right where we are at any given moment in time! 

Joyce Rupp, OSM[i]  reflects that “Easter Joy” though similar is different from the “exuberant joy” of significant community and family celebrations. “‘Easter joy’ originated after the disciples’ heart-crushing disappointment and sorrow when they witnessed the suffering and death of their beloved Teacher and Friend. Gathered together, the disciples were caught up in the anguish and empty desolation that follows such heart breaking events. From their place of grief, they caught the joy of glimpsing the resurrected Christ---a Risen presence whose radiant essence enveloped them.”  

She goes on to say that: “The disciples’ ‘Easter joy’ and ours contains a faith-filled quality based in our everyday, ordinary experiences with one another. This joy goes deeper than the fleeting happiness of external events, transforming what seemed ordinary into the extraordinary power of resurrection. This joy flourishes and enlivens our approach to daily life. It lingers in the mind and heart, settling there to preserve peace when life bewilders and disturbs us with distressing incidences.  We keep this ‘Easter Joy’ alive as the disciples of Jesus did—by choosing to open our hearts in faith and receiving Jesus in His transformed manner. For when we look with the eyes of faith, we can perceive the risen Christ more readily in our daily lived experiences. He lives within and among us. Not in a visibly discernable for, but truly as a loving presence.” These encounters empower us to go beyond our anguish and grief, for that has now passed. These moments lift us up to rise in the ever present light and joy of God’s enduring presence… Alleluia!