Homily – Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter

• Acts 18:9–18 – The Lord tells Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid… I am with you.”

• Psalm 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 – “God is king of all the earth.”

• John 16:20–23 – “You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.”

🕊️ Theme: “Your Sorrow Will Turn Into Joy”

Introduction – Tears Don’t Have the Last Word

There’s a Sesotho saying: “Metsi a mafura a lala a butsoe ke letsatsi” – “Oily water left overnight is cleared by the morning sun.” In the same way, sorrow may visit for the night, but God’s joy rises with the morning.

From Fear to Faith, From Sorrow to Joy

Paul is preaching in Corinth—afraid, facing rejection, even threats. But God tells him, “Do not be afraid… I am with you.” And because Paul remains faithful, the Gospel takes root in a new place.

In the Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for pain. He knows they will grieve His death. But He promises: “Your sorrow will turn into joy.” Like a mother in labour, pain is not the end—it gives birth to something new.

Joy in Christ is not denial of suffering. It is hope despite suffering. It is faith that even if we are broken today, resurrection and rejoicing are already on the way.

Reflection Question

• What sorrow am I carrying today—and do I truly believe that God can transform it into joy?

Eucharistic Connection

In every Mass, we remember the death of Christ—but we don’t stop there. We celebrate the Resurrection. The Eucharist is sorrow transformed into joy, death into life, defeat into victory.

Daily Practical Application

When you feel discouraged:

• Remember Paul’s vision: “I am with you.”

• Tell yourself: This is not the end. Joy is on the way.

• Reach out to someone else in pain and remind them: You are not alone.

A South African Touch

We are a people who have known sorrow—through injustice, poverty, and pain. But we are also a people of song, of laughter, of dancing after tears. That is the Spirit of Easter—and of our African soul: sorrow that sings itself into joy.

Inspirational Quote

“Hope is being able to hear the music of the future—faith is dancing to it today.”
– Unknown

Conclusion & Prayer

The Lord says to us today: “Do not be afraid. I am with you. Your sorrow will turn into joy.” Let us walk through this day not with heavy hearts, but with hearts lifted by hope in the God who never abandons His own.

Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, in my pain and fear, speak to me as You spoke to Paul: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” Turn my sorrow into joy, my tears into strength, and my doubts into deeper faith. Amen.