IN A LITTLE WHILE (Jn 16:20-23)
Prayer:
O Jesus, turn my sorrows into joys.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus with the apostles at the Last Supper.
Context:
Jesus has spoken of “a little while.” Because the disciples are confused, Jesus explains what this means. He speaks of a joyful woman who has given birth. This “birth” is his rising from the dead.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Jesus said, “In a little while, you shall not see me. Again, a little while and you shall see me, because I go to the Father.”
The disciples did not understand and Jesus knew they wanted to ask him, so he said, “Why do you inquire among yourselves about this little while? Amen, amen, I say to you. You shall weep and lament while the world shall rejoice. You will be sorrowful but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow. However, when she brings forth the child, she does not remember her suffering because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So, you now have sorrow, but I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice and no one will take your joy from you.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- The “little while” is the darkness of those three days between Jesus’ death and resurrection.
- Naturally, the disciples did not understand. They could not grasp the mystery that Jesus would rise.
- During those three days, the world rejoiced and the disciples grew sad.
- Their sadness was like a woman about to give birth.
- Their sorrow became joy when Jesus rose from the grave.
- After they saw Jesus, the world could never take away the apostles’ joy.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, how often I experience moments of sadness, when you seem far away.
- In this “Little while” You hide yourself and make me wait for you.
- Your absence multiplies my joy at your return.
- Return quickly Jesus. Rise again within me.
- When you come to me, no one takes away my joy.
- At my death, you will be there. I will await you.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will ask Jesus to come to me, today.
+ I will never allow anything to steal my joy.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
No one will take your joy from you.