Reflection Date: May 15, 2026 | Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Memorial of Saint Isidore
Daily Readings: Acts 15:22-31; John 16:20-23
Children of God:
Who doesn’t know Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine?
The story of Saint Monica is one of deep sorrow but also combined with even deeper faith.
She faced many struggles in her life, including a difficult marriage and a son who drifted far from the Christian faith.
Her son, Augustine, lived a life that caused her great concern, embracing worldly pleasures and philosophies that led him away from God.
Monica wept for him for many years, praying constantly for his conversion.
She was a picture of a highly, super-duper stressed mother!
She followed her son from place to place, never giving up hope that he would return to the Lord.
At times, her pain was overwhelming, and her tears seemed endless.
Yet she remained steadfast, trusting that God was listening.
After long years of waiting, her prayers were answered when Augustine experienced a profound conversion.
Her sorrow turned into joy as she saw her son embrace the faith she cherished.
Her story reminds us that God works even through long seasons of waiting.
In the gospel of John, Jesus spoke to his disciples about sorrow that would turn into joy.
He said, “You will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”
He used the image of a woman in labor, whose pain gives way to joy when new life is born.
What are our inspirations for today?
First, Jesus reminds us to trust in God’s timing.
Jesus said, “You will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”
He acknowledged that sorrow is real and painful.
Yet he also revealed that God’s timing brings a deeper purpose to our struggles.
Saint Monica’s life showed this kind of trust.
Her prayers were not answered immediately.
Years passed, and her son continued on a path that troubled her heart.
Yet she did not lose hope.
She trusted that God was at work, even when she could not see it.
In our lives, we also experience delays and unanswered prayers.
It can be difficult to remain patient when we are hurting.
Yet Jesus invited us to trust that God’s timing is different from ours.
When we hold on in faith, our sorrows and difficulties can begin to take on meaning.
Jesus reminds us to trust in God’s timing
Second, perseverance is the key.
Jesus said, “You are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice.”
He promised a joy that no one could take away.
Yes, perseverance is the key.
Look at Saint Monica.
She did not stop praying or believing.
Her faith remained strong even in the face of disappointment.
When Augustine finally converted, her joy was complete, and it was a joy shaped by years of perseverance.
In our own journey, perseverance is not always easy.
We may feel tired, discouraged, or even tempted to give up.
Yet faith calls us to continue.
Perseverance is the key.
As we reflect, we ask ourselves: Do I trust God’s timing even when my prayers seem unanswered?
Do I persevere in faith despite difficulties and delays? Do I believe that my sorrow can be transformed into lasting joy?
Children of God:
God works quietly and patiently in our lives.
What we experience now can become a source of joy later.
Like Saint Monica, we are invited to persevere in love and prayer.
For like her, we are also promised by Jesus: our moments of tears can also become moments of joy.
Let us ask then, the grace to persevere.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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