We continue in John, starting with the final verse from yesterday’s reading (Jn 16:20-23).  Remember that Jesus had just told the disciples that soon they would be mourning but soon after they would be joyful.  He likens it to a woman in childbirth who experiences tremendous suffering but forgets it all when the baby is born.  This is like what the apostles will soon experience except that they will never lose that joy.  Jesus wraps up by saying the line at top and then tells them that they will be given anything asked for in Jesus’ name.  What wonders are in store for us on the last day!  We will no longer have questions — we will come to an understanding of God’s plan for us and for the world.  So now when we wonder about why bad things happen to good people, why this malady befell me or a loved one, why someone so young had to die, why so much pain and heartache afflict me and others, why I have been so blessed, and so on, we can’t be promised full understanding, but we should strive for a total acceptance of God’s providence as the priest prays at Mass on our behalf: “In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”