It is the bridegroom who has the bride; but the bridegroom's friend, who stands by and listens to him, is filled with joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. This joy I have felt to the full.

I have told you all this so that my own joy may be yours, and that your joy may be complete.

In truth I tell you that you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will suffer pain, but your pain shall turn to joy.

A woman in labor is in pain because her time has come; but no sooner is the child born, than she forgets her trouble in her joy that a man has been born into the world.

You, in the same way, are sorry now; but I shall see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will rob you of your joy.

So far you have not asked for anything, in my Name; ask, and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

But now I am to come to thee; and I am speaking thus, while still in the world, that they may have my own joy, in all its fullness, in their hearts.

After which he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Master.