Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter
John 16:20-23
God’s time is always the right time

There are moments in life when we cry. And that’s okay. Tears are not a weakness; they are a language of the soul. They speak of pain, of loss, of silence when we feel God is far. They speak when words fail us. Even Jesus wept. In those tears and that loneliness, He was always closer to us.

But Jesus also speaks today of joy — a joy that does not ignore sorrow, but is born through it. “You will weep and mourn… but your sorrow will turn into joy.” Not just replaced — transformed. This is not the joy of the world. It is not laughter that fades. It is the deep peace that prayer and trust bring, the joy that comes when we remain faithful, even when the night is long.

This is what we must learn: to wait in God’s time. God is kairos — not the time on our watches, but the moment when grace breaks through. Our sufferings are not ignored; instead, they are held in God’s hands. Time heals. Grace restores. And the sacraments — especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation — carry us, strengthen us, heal us.

Yes, the world may laugh while we cry. There are still many who mock the faith, just as they once cheered when martyrs gave their lives. But take heart — this is not the end. Joy is on the horizon.

Think of the mother in childbirth, Jesus says. In her pain, she sees nothing else. But when the child is born, her heart is full. So too, your trials will pass, and joy — a joy stronger than sorrow — will remain.

Do not be afraid. Stay with Jesus. In his time, our tears will become joy. Amen.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025