Suffering at the Service of Joy! What Does that Mean?

Suffering at the Service of Joy! What Does that Mean? Upuntil today’s readings, the last thing you would think St. Paul would need is a word of encouragement. We seen him beaten and thrown into prison. Scripture tells us of his singing in prison. We seen him stoned. Yet today’s reading (not included within this audio), the Lord comes to him in a vision and says, do not be afraid. The Holy Spirit, through St. Luke in the Act of the Apostle, tells us St. Paul has received a regular consoling presence on the part of the Lord. The purpose of the St. Paul story is not for us to understand that this was a one shot reminder for Paul not to be afraid. Rather, it is a reminder that the Lord has been strengthening Paul throughout all his hardships. It is this Peace of the Lord that has allowed Paul to continue his mission and preaching. Why do we hear about Paul’s trials and sufferings? In the reading, and in today’s Gospel, we hear that there will be suffering. However, there is a point to the sufferings. Jesus says if you remain faithful, the violence will not overcome you! You will suffer from time to time. You will know grief, but you will not be overcome. This grief may be profound, but it is a kind of grief that has a point to it. This is very important for all of us as well! The world thinks suffering never has a point. But the Lord says just the opposite! The Lord says to His Apostles, and to Paul, you will suffer, but it is a different kind. It is a suffering in the direction of living. It is suffering in the direction of life. It is a hardship, that is at the service of joy! Wow! What does that mean? How can suffering be at the service of Joy? What does suffering in the direction of life mean? Hear more in this Meditation Media! Note: The Homily also discusses the meaning behind Ask in My Name . . . What does Jesus mean by that? How should we use that statement and knowledge in our own prayers?