Dear brothers and sisters, this morning Jesus teaches us in the gospel the perils of the material world. Jesus rejects the materialism of the world and warns the worldly and materialistic that severe judgment is coming.
However, my reflection this morning will be focused on the promise made to those who weep. Jesus says, “Happy are those who weep, for they shall laugh.” The promise to the one who weeps is that he or she will laugh (Gelasete).
Gelasete forms the theme of my reflection. We stand on the promises of Christ and we believe that whatever he says shall surely be fulfilled. If that is the case, I bring to you good news, for you have persevered in the faith, you have persevered in righteousness, you have persevered in love and truthfulness. There is a reward for such actions. Today Jesus says, that those who have persevered until now shall laugh.
The word used by Jesus is Gelasete, a Greek word which means Loud Laughter. This kind of laughter arises from a deep-seated joy and comfort and it can come from seeing the end of sin and shame, sorrow and suffering, tragedy and trauma. It can equally come from being comforted (2 Cor. 1:3).
Furthermore, there is the present and eternal comfort. The present comfort gives a settled peace, relief, solace, and consolation within. It gives an assurance of forgiveness and acceptance by God. This present comfort gives a sense of God’s presence, care, and guidance. It makes all things work together for good. The eternal comfort ensures a passing from death to life (John 3:16), a wiping away of all tears (Rev 7:17, 21:4).
Friends, let us pray, therefore, that God may give us the grace to persevere in righteousness so that we may gain Gelasete. Amen.
Peace be with you!
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