Saturday 16 December

Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4, 9-11; Psalm 80; Matthew 17:10-13

Joy and sadness

All those who witness to the truth will suffer. Those who speak for the truth in our own day also suffer. From the time of the prophets until now, to call people to repent and believe in the good news means persecution and even violence. Our gospel today speaks of this. Jesus forewarns his followers that he too will suffer and die. Our faith means that in every joy there is a hint of sadness, and in every time of sadness there is a hint of joy.