Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth. — Psalm 68:33 

Mass readings: Acts 19:1-8 / John 16:29-33 

What a Wonderful World! 

Often when Jesus talks about “the world,” as He does in today’s Gospel, He doesn’t seem to mean it in a good way. “The world” signifies sin and pain and things that perish; it’s the place a favorite prayer of mine calls “this vale of tears.” I confess, though: I love the world. It surprises me every day with its incredible beauty and diversity. It’s where I’ve found love and laughter and language. It’s where, in fact, I’ve found the God whose love for me created it all. It’s a place which, in many ways, I’ll be sorry to leave behind. 

Imagine for a moment, though, the world without “the world”: without sin, without pain and without end. Without the earthly burdens that Jesus has conquered. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? 

Prayer: Remind me, Father, to notice the beauty You have placed around me.