Labor Pains & Sacred Pauses: A Somatic Reflection on John 16

Reflection for the Friday of the 6th Week of Easter

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus is speaking to the disciples with a warning of suffering to come, while also leaving the disciples with a lesson in trusting in his ministry. We know that the near future will lead to the torturous murder of Jesus; the disciples have heard this warning too but have intentionally refused to consider this reality.

The Somatic Reality of Labor and Joy

Jesus references a future in which "the world rejoices," while the disciples "weep and mourn." He provides the analogy of childbirth which leads the mother into the deep pain of labor, and notes that the mother "no longer remembers the pain because of her joy" as her child enters this world (John 16:21). In this response to the disciples, Jesus is naming the suffering to come but is urging them to recognize the everlasting joy of salvation that will result in his Passion.

Navigating the "Eye of the Storm" in Our Bodies

While Jesus speaks to the disciples in the specific context of his imminent arrest and crucifixion, there is much for us to gain from this passage of the Gospel according to John in our current lives. If there is one universal experience in our earthly lives, it is that we will be challenged by immense suffering. The grief of loss, the world seemingly on fire, and our daily life stressors being just a few of countless examples. When suffering is in our midst, it can feel as if the eye of the storm is all-encompassing, with no end in sight.

A Cloud of Witnesses: God’s Presence in Suffering

Let us intentionally embody the message from Jesus today. Christ is not denying the depth of our suffering or telling us it is always possible to alleviate the pain. However, in this message we can extend our sight beyond the eye of the storm to see what lies beyond the storm.

Let us remember that throughout the scripture and in our own historical record of humanity, God is most present with those suffering. Jesus walked towards the sick, the oppressed, the poor. Mother Mary appeared to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill in a time of immense suffering of his indigenous Aztec people. God remained actively present with Job as he lost all his possessions, suffered painful ailments, and lost his cherished family. In experiences of suffering, we see the face of Christ.

Integration: A Somatic Practice for the 6th Week of Easter

As we navigate our own personal and collective suffering this week, let's set the intention of expanding our vision beyond the eye of the storm.

Take a moment for a sacred pause when you bring awareness to tension bubbling within you and find the face of Christ surrounding you. Perhaps this is found while gazing at your family pet, calling a loved one, or listening to music that feeds your spirit. Take a moment to embody the felt sense of experiencing Christ in your presence.

As Jesus says to the disciples: Amen, amen I say to you.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the ‘storms’ of life, explore how Connected Faith Counseling & Wellness can help you find grounding and peace.