Friday, May 10, 2024

Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter

(Acts 18:9-18; John 16:20-23)

Today’s gospel reminds us of the trauma of giving birth.  Prolife advocates must be sensitive to what they are asking of pregnant women.  Although there is no legitimate defense for a direct abortion, giving birth to a child requires great patience.

Jesus compares the difficulty of giving birth to the challenge of following him.  It is as true today as ever.  Schoolboys will mock their classmates who refuse to look at pornography.  A large part of society will frown in disapproval on large families.  We may even become irritated with ourselves for passing by an opportunity to take a holiday because of a standing commitment to take Communion to the sick.  Do not fret -- Jesus is telling both ancient and contemporary disciples – he will more than compensates for any sacrifices for his sake.

He is offering more than promises for the future.  He gives all his disciples the assurance of the Father’s ongoing attention.  Like having a service guarantee on a new computer, he says the Father will provide if anything goes wrong.

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