Your Grief Will Turn into Joy

Medan Cathedral Church, Ancession Day, Thursday 29 May 2025

Reflection on God’s Word Today: Your Grief Will Turn into Joy

First Reading: Acts 18:9–18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3,4-5,6-7
Gospel Reading: John 16:20–23a

Today’s Word of God offers us deep comfort: your grief will turn into joy. In the Gospel of John, Jesus compares suffering to a woman in labor. Though she experiences pain, it is replaced by overwhelming joy once her child is born. This is His promise to us—that our pain will not last forever, and true joy will come, a joy that no one can take away.

In the Acts of the Apostles, Paul faces rejection and threats, yet God strengthens and protects him. This reminds us that we are never alone. Even in our hardest struggles, God walks with us and upholds us.

The Psalm today resounds with triumphant praise, "God ascends amid shouts of joy!" It paints a picture of God’s victorious presence, bringing true joy to His people.

Let us hold fast to this promise. Whatever sorrow we carry today, believe that God will transform it into everlasting joy.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, in the midst of life’s struggles, we trust in Your promise. Turn our sorrow into joy in You. Amen.

God bless us all ❤️,
Manuntun Sitinjak