In this time of the year, when we think of the death of Jesus, of loved ones, and the recent death of John Paul II, it’s good to remember that good things do happen. When we mourn of the death of people who are so good, and so caring and loving, Peter’s miracles with Aeneas and Tabitha remind us death is not an end, but a beginning. But sometime we go through tough times, and we reflect on Peter, or Jesus, but it still doesn’t lift us up. And we think not of the good that the psalmist mentions, but of our own sad times. The Psalmist asks, “How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?” But we see no good, feel no thanks. We think, as the Apostles think in John, “This is hard!” Jesus replies, “Are you surprised?” So should we be surprised that life is hard? Of course it is. But so is anything worthwhile—like living, particularly living a Christian life. Some who are pessimistic would say: “Life is hard, so get used to it.” But that’s not the message here. Rather the message is: “Yes, life is hard. But what a gift it can still be, and
what a reward afterward!”
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