"Joy and sorrow are never separated. When our hearts rejoice at a spectacular view, we may miss our friends who cannot see it, and when we are overwhelmed with grief, we may discover what true friendship is all about. Joy is hidden in sorrow and sorrow in joy. If we try to avoid sorrow at all costs, we may never taste joy, and if we are suspicious of ecstasy, agony can never reach us either. Joy and sorrow are the parents of our spiritual growth." (Henri Nouwen) These companions are given to us by God. In his own life Jesus knew and embraced both. He knew the joy of the wedding at Cana and he wept at the death of Lazarus. He celebrated the success of the seventy two disciples after their first mission. He wept over his rejection by the religious leaders. He told the apostles that they would experienced great anguish at his crucifixion but that his resurrection would bring them greater joy. We do not have to seek either, they will find us. Within each is a grace given by God for our holiness.