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“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.” John 16:21–22
When we live fully united to Christ, we can endure anguish with
confidence and determination. Without Christ, even small, temporary
trials become so burdensome that we tend to avoid them. Though
trials are not desirable in themselves, God permits them to
strengthen us in virtue and prepare us for eternity. The anguish
that accompanies them is temporary, but the victory over them is
eternal. If we refuse to endure the temporary, we risk losing the
eternal.
Our Gospel illustrates this point well. The purpose of pregnancy is
to cooperate with God’s creative power and to bring forth into the
world a precious new soul who will exist for all eternity. What a
joy it is for parents to learn of their pregnancy, endure the nine
months and the labor, hold their newborn child, and accompany that
child throughout life and into Heaven.
In order to give birth to that child, the woman must endure labor
pains. These pains are not desirable or sought for their own sake,
but a woman willingly endures them as a necessary condition for the
great joy of new life. Afterward, a loving mother does not regret
having a baby because the labor was painful. The joy of holding her
newborn is so rewarding that it puts the pain in perspective.
Just as a woman willingly endures labor pains for the joy of new
life, we too must embrace temporary trials to receive eternal
blessings. Trials are a consequence of Original Sin. In the
beginning, God did not will that trials would be part of our lives.
After the Fall, many forms of trials entered human existence. To
enable us to overcome these trials, the Son of God took on flesh
and overcame everything we endure. Therefore, when we face trials,
God looks at us and invites us to follow His example: to carry our
crosses with His strength, to do what He already did.
When Jesus told His Apostles, “So you also are now in anguish,” He
was speaking not only to them but also to us. Jesus was fully aware
of the anguish the Apostles would endure through His coming
Passion, and He is fully aware of every anguish we will endure. His
awareness is active, offering hope: “I will see you again, and your
hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.”
This is His promise to each of us as we confidently endure the
trials of life. Our endurance will lead to eternal joy, for we will
share in the victory of Christ’s Resurrection.
Reflect today on whether you are willing to endure the anguish of
temporary trials so as to share in the eternal blessing that will
come after. Are you living for what is temporary or eternal? Do you
avoid trials out of fear, or do you embrace them with trust in
Christ’s promise? Reflect on how you might unite your daily
struggles with His Passion and seek His grace to persevere. Turn to
Jesus, Who has already endured every trial and triumphed, and
imitate Him so that you share in His victory and rejoice with Him
for all eternity.
My determined Lord, You fully aligned Your will with the
Father’s by embracing the great anguish caused by Your Passion and
exhorted Your disciples to imitate You. You call me to do the same.
Please give me the grace and wisdom I need to keep my eyes on the
eternal and glorious end to which I am called, so that I can endure
every temporary anguish with joy and hope. Jesus, I trust in
You.
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