Measure the important things

Greetings on this the Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 18:9-18; Ps 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; Jn 16:20-23

Summary

Paul is accused of inducing people to worship God contrary to the law. In fact, Paul is encouraging people to express the Law of the Lord in an amazingly open and new way. Fearful for some. Whether it be power or influence or simply change in itself, people sometimes fear the impact of these changes.

Jesus sets the theme for today’s sacred readings in a very tangible way – measure what is important. 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.

Reflection

Much anguish in life isn’t actually the event, the condition or the situation. It is about how we measure things. What we account as important or unimportant. What we consider critical or optional.

Paul wasn’t afraid because he was certain of the salvation purpose and outcomes. Jesus wasn’t afraid either because his expiation purpose and that he knew where he was going. The mother in the labor room wasn’t worried either as she awaited her child to be born. But none of them were alone. Each had a fellow human to sit with them as they experience their personal exodus.

Measure the important things. Act accordingly.

Personal Reflection

When I was a very young man, I went to the hospital maternity ward to visit my Sister-in-Law who was giving birth to a son. I don’t know who was wailing in pain behind those walls, but I can tell you I never prayed so hard for a woman I do not know than in that hour! OMG! Here I am many, many decades later recalling the horror! Yet when I asked my SIL if it was painful to give birth, she replied, “What pain?” Meet your nephew.

Only a few days ago I recalled this story.

A beloved woman of the parish (Sacristan) lay in ICU critically and terminally injured and basically unresponsive. After saying the prescribed prayers, I brought a chair up to the bed, held her hand and continued to talk with her and prayer with and for her. The ICU nurse was quite uncomfortable. She sat down next to me, uncomfortably close.

I asked, “Is everything ok?”
Yes, she said.
She asked questions and stared at me intently. Very uncomfortable.
I said, “If you are worried about my red eyes? It is pollen season and I suffer allergies.”
OK, she said. She continued to ask questions and stared at me intently, moved even closer. Very uncomfortable.
I said, “Do you know what Jesus said to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane?”
No, she said. I do not know these things.
I said, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour?” (Matt 26:40b).
With that she left.

First Reading

“Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you. No one will attack and harm you, for I have many people in this city.”

Responsorial

God is king of all the earth.

Gospel Acclamation

Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory.

Gospel

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.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry