And of course life doesn't stay this way. Life is a river of change, hurtling us from moment to moment, wave to wave of experiences. We ourselves are like rivers constantly moving; the interior currents of our thoughts and feelings flow on and on 24-7 and these currents carry us to different shores, different understandings. Life is constantly changing; we are constantly changing. Life gets better; life gets worse. Only one thing remains the same: the core of our being stays resting in God, and God is forever united to us.
Jesus, head covered with a crown of thorns, blood trickling down his cheeks, is the One both human and divine Who understands our suffering because He too has suffered and died. And He is always for us! He tells us "In Me you have new life, because through my resurrection all life is made new. There is no moment in your life where I am absent. Even in the depths of your despair I am holding you. If you seek Me with your whole heart, you will always find Me. Every moment of your life can redeem you and and bring you closer to Me. Hold on to Me. I cannot promise you that physical pain will necessarily end tomorrow. But your Hope in Me can grow and bring you to the tide pool of calm acceptance, of knowing and trusting that I will bring all things to the good for you, even as you accept your cross in imitation of Me..."
God the Father and Jesus hold us and a flame of love and joy is suddenly warming and lighting our souls, the fire of the Holy Spirit Whom Father and Son send us. The Holy Spirit dances and darts above the restless river of our lives, illuminating the hidden joys, the moments of peace - the delight of a visit from loved ones, a sudden embrace or kiss, a boat ride on sunset water, a favorite band playing at a bistro, an elevator taking us to the heights of a skyscraper, quiet work in a garden, the scents of a well-loved dinner carrying us back to the heart of our childhoods, the anointing of the sick, the touch of its sweet-smelling oils healing our souls, infusing courage.
The Holy Spirit sings to our spirit: "Good things are always coming. Just keep believing. In life and in death you are and always will be the Lord's own precious possession. Live always in hope. Hold on; the pain may grow worse before it gets better but pain always ends in a joyous new beginning."