I can understand the confusion and murmuring of the disciples in this passage. Jesus’ statements seem so ambiguous. What does he mean in a short time? What is he talking about? We know as the reader, that what is imminent is the journey of holy week. Jesus is asking the disciples to trust.

He is preparing them for the absence of his physical presence after the crucifixion until his return in the resurrection. He prepares them for the fact that sorrow and suffering are coming. He doesn’t sugarcoat reality. He lets them know that suffering will be a part of their journey. He also lets them know that they will be alone in their weeping and wailing, while the world will be rejoicing. That they will be isolated from the world in their sorrow.

What he does offer, and he continues to offer to us, is that there is HOPE. In the same way the resurrection shows us hope and victory over death, our sorrow will turn to joy. I know how hard I find it to trust that sorrow will turn to joy, but I also know that ‘all things work together for good, for those who love God.’ (Romans 8:28)

Lord, thank you for being a God who understands our suffering and pain and who is with us when we lose sight of hope. Help us to remember that you will turn our sorrows into joy, so that when we feel isolated and alone, we can trust that you are right beside us.

By Donna Brennan