Courage

Life is not always easy and sometimes when we stand up for our faith it can t even worse.

But today’s readings have words to give us courage.

The first reading (Acts 18:9-18) begins with the Lord’s words to Saint Paul:

Do not be afraid.
Go on speaking,
and do not be silent,
for I am with you.

And in today’s Gospel (John 16:20-23), our Lord gives us words of comfort to boost our courage, even if things should seem to go wrong for a little while.

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.

Whether life is good at this moment or whether life is a struggle, may God give us the graces of faithfulness, perseverance, and comfort in the name of Jesus.