Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, priest
(Acts
18:1-8; John 16:16-20)
In today’s
gospel Jesus anticipates the joy of the resurrection. He tells his disciples that they will rejoice
when he is raised from the dead. Their joy,
however, will come only after great sorrow.
They will experience terrible distressed at his death. Nevertheless, their joy will surpass their
suffering. As will be heard in tomorrow’s
gospel, it will be like the mother’s joy after giving birth.
Today the
Church celebrates an apostle of joy.
Philip Neri radiated the joy of salvation in Jesus Christ. He instinctively knew that a joyful spirit is
more Christian than a melancholy one. His
joy attracted many people to himself as well as the Church. Living in Rome, he was consulted by popes,
cardinals, rulers, and ordinary people.
We must
admit that sometimes it is difficult to feel joy. We may be afflicted by grave problems
personally or collectively. Who could
blame us for feeling sad about the senseless murder of innocent people in
Buffalo recently? Nevertheless, we must
recognize that Christ has conquered sin and death. Whatever sorrow we feel at a given moment
should turn into a more durable joy.
Jesus’ resurrection is more than a passing triumph. It is final victory.
