For daily readings, see http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/050108b.shtml
Mary, Mother of the Risen Lord, pray for us
The Gospel we just heard can be oversimplified and understood to mean that during our short pilgrimage on earth, disciples of Jesus will be weeping and mourning, while those who follow the ways of the world will be rejoicing, but that the tables will be turned in the world to come. This is true of course, but in the smallest way possible. Faithful disciples of Jesus must say 'no' to many things of the world, and to those who belong to this world only they may appear to be taking an unnecessarily difficult path of voluntary suffering. Yet those who follow the truth that Christ points out to them realize that the temporary 'sting' of having to say 'no' to something good and promising fades quickly when this 'no' enables a greater friendship with Jesus, who alone can completely fill every human desire. During our time on earth, we do embody the beatitudes, and consider ourselves blessed insofar as we are able to participate in the humility and suffering of Jesus. This is the mourning and weeping of which Jesus speaks. It is not true, however, that we must wait until the afterlife to experience the joy of which Jesus speaks. It is true that in the afterlife this joy will be complete, but even in this life, those who set their hearts on Christ alone are saved from the disappointment that comes from putting out trust only in the temporary things of the world. In light of the joy that comes from our friendship with Jesus, even a lifetime seems like a 'little while' when compared to the glory to be revealed in us!
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