By Arun D. csc –
Readings: Acts 18: 1-8; Jn 16: 16-20
Jesus told his disciples, “a little while you will see me no more; again, a little while you will see me” (Jn 16: 16). The disciples found themselves in a dilemma hearing these words from Jesus.
They did not understand the meaning of what Jesus said. However, Jesus assures them hope in times of confusion and doubt. He tells us that our sorrows will turn into joy. We live in a world of uncertainties where we face waves of troubles and deserts of anxieties. Pain and suffering catch us often unawares.
We tend to ask God ‘why me’? Then the Lord assures us, in a little while, all will be fine. Through the Gospel, Jesus wants to encourage and strengthen us during the times of struggles in life. The Lord intervenes in our life. In the first reading, we see how St. Paul preaches passionately even in the midst of opposition. He did not give up though the whole synagogue was up against him because he knew that the Lord was with him.
The feast of Our Lady of Fatima is the best example to understand the loving concern of Jesus and of our Blessed Mother for our salvation. In 1917, between May 13 and October 13, three Portuguese childrenFrancisco, Jacinta Marto, and their cousin Lucia dos Santos- received apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima. Mary asked the children to pray the rosary for world peace and for the end of World War I.
The Holy Rosary remains a powerful weapon against all forms of evils that threaten us today. The month of May, which is dedicated to Mother Mary and Holy Rosary, reminds us to seek her intercession in times of trouble. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to threaten us, we need to pray fervently through the intercession of our Blessed Mother so that we may stay strong in faith like St. Paul in the first reading.