HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 6TH WEEK OF EASTER (1)

HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 6TH WEEK OF EASTER

THEME: TURNING SORROW INTO JOY….. “Your grief will become joy”

BY: Fr. Joaquim FONT i Gassol
(Igualada, Barcelona, Spain)

HOMILY FOR FRIDAY MAY 27 2022

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 16,20-23a.

Today we begin the Decade of the Holy Spirit. Reliving the memory of the Cenacle, we see the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Mother of Good Counsel, talking with the Apostles. What a warm and abounding conversation! Recalling all the joys they shared with their Master: The Paschal days, the Ascension and Jesus’ promises. The sufferings of the Passion days have turned into joy. What a nice atmosphere at the Cenacle! And what is yet to come, as Jesus has assured them.

We now know that Mary, Queen of the Apostles, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Mother of the growing Church, guides us to receive the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. The gifts are like a boat’s sails when unfurled and the wind —representing grace— blowing in favor: what a speed and easiness of the course!

The Lord has also promised us to transform into joy the hardship of our journey: “No one will take your joy away from you” (Jn 16:22) and “your joy may be complete” (Jn 16:24). And in Psalm 126:6: “Those who go forth weeping, carrying sacks of seed, Will return with cries of joy, carrying their bundled sheaves.”

All this week the Liturgy speaks of revitalizing, of exulting (jumping with joy), of an eternal and certain happiness. Everything leads us to live in prayer. As Saint Josemaria Escrivá wrote: “I want you to be happy always, for cheerfulness is an essential part of your way. Pray that the same supernatural joy may be granted to us all.”

Human beings need laughter both for their physical and spiritual wellbeing. Healthy humor teaches us how to live. Saint Paul will say: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God” (Rm 8:28). And here you have a good ejaculatory prayer!: “It’s all unto good”; “Omnia in bonum!”

+ Fr. Joaquim FONT i Gassol
(Igualada, Barcelona, Spain)