In a simple way, without elaborate discussion, Jesus seems to indicate to us that there can be different kinds of joy. One kind comes with the relief that follows the cessation of pain and suffering, as in the case of a mother giving birth. She goes through the pain of giving birth and when all goes well so that the child is born safely, there is a great relief and a great joy.

The second type of joy comes mainly from the presence of one who is loved. The Passion was a painful experience for the Disciples, but they did not suffer the agony of crucifixion. In that sense, the joy they experienced on seeing the Risen Jesus was somewhat different from that of the mother after the pains of childbirth. They had, as they thought, lost Jesus in death but now Jesus is present with them again, and it is his presence which gives them joy beyond anything they had ever experienced or could have imagined. Jesus stresses this sense of presence bringing joy: "You are sad for a time, but I shall see you again." The joy of Jesus' presence should animate us.