Memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr

Mt 17:22-27

Jesus said to the disciples, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day. And they were overwhelmed with grief.” I think they only understood the first part of this prophecy, and that’s why they were overwhelmed with grief. What they hear is only Christ’s rejection, passion, and death. But they don’t hear that He will be raised from that death. This may happen to us too, especially when losing someone we loved. When a person close to us dies, we may focus only on the sad and grieving part. However, Jesus promises us more -- the resurrection. Yes, it is always sad to lose a loved one, but that grief will be turned into joy. We should never forget that. After the grief, there will be joy.