A little while and you will no longer see me

Readings: 1st: Acts 18:1-8; Ps: 98; Gos: John 16:16-20

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com 

On this Thursday of the sixth week of Easter, Jesus makes a definitive announcement to his disciples. He reminded them that he will leave them soon.

“A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me.” His expression left his disciples confused. The disciples do not understand what he was speaking about.

They do not understood how Christ will return again if he goes to the Father. However, what Christ simply was saying is that, the time between his departure and his return, will be brief.

So, there will be no change in the interior situation of His disciples. This is because, the relationship between Jesus and his disciples will not change. He is permanently close to them.

Therefore, the vision and mission of Christ will not suffer any interruption. Rather, it will be characterized by the communion of life between him and his disciples.

It is true that his disciples will suffer much. However, Christ assured them that: “Your sadness will be transformed into joy.” This simply, means a change of perspective from bad times, to good times.

This is a promise from Christ to all true believers. Yes, there will be suffering, but joy will certainly come. Indeed, weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning (Ps 30:5). Alleluia, Alleluia!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!