Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 30, 2025

Friday of the 6th Week of Easter

Scripture Text:  John 16:20-23

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. 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.”

 Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today is from Jesus’ “Final Discourse” with the disciples before his arrest, crucifixion and death as recounted in the Gospel of John. Jesus speaks to his disciples of their ultimate joy when they will see Him resurrected but warns that first He must suffer and die. We realize that this is the meaning of His words; however, at the time, the disciples still did not fully understand Jesus’ mission nor His Father’s will that through His death, humanity would be redeemed.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I carry the joy Jesus speaks of with me always?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, You promise us joy because of your resurrection, because of your victory over sin and death for us. As we hold dear the image of your gift for love of the Father and love of us, grant that we will be people of great joy because of our utter awareness of your gift to us. Send your Spirit to illuminate our minds, to tenderize our hearts, and to plant joy in our souls for love of You this day and all days. Amen.