What is this ‘little while’ of which he speaks?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season: Sixth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Jn 18:16-20*

*First Reading : Acts 18:1-8*

*“What is this ‘little while’ of which he speaks?*

*1) The phrase Little While and 7*

 The phrase, “a little while” appears 7 times in this passage. 

As we  know, “7” is a very important number in the Bible.  It signifies completeness or fullness. 

It points to the last things, the end of time.  In the Book of Genesis, on the 7th day of creation, the Lord rests.  

The work of creation is completed so there is a Sabbath rest.

But this points to a final Sabbath rest that will come only in heaven.  

In the Book of Revelation, there are the 7 seals that are broken open as the final destiny of the world is revealed.  

The final meaning of human history is made known as the 7 seals are broken open by the Lamb who was slain.

*2) The meaning of the phrase*

The phrase  “little while” is mixed up with this theme of seeing and not seeing the Lord.  

Jesus says *“A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me.”*

We do not see the Lord, at present, but this lasts only a little while.  In just a little while we will see the Lord. 

It won’t be long before we see the Lord in full splendor, in the glory of heaven, either by his return in the Second Coming or in our meeting him after death.  It will be just a little while. 

At the moment we are in this “little while” of not seeing the Lord.  We now walk by faith not by sight.  But it will only be a “little while” until we are seeing the Lord, face-to-face, heart-to-heart.  

*3) Our responsibility and the phrase little while*

This little while also speaks about the Shortness of our life 

Our life is very Short. That does not mean that we need to lose our hope. We must be firm in our spiritual life, in our service and in bearing witness to Christ 

Those who are faithful in *little while*, will be faithful in eternity

*4) Little While and Eternity*

This little while refers to our earthly life 

This life is very short, filled with challenges, difficulties, sickness and pain 

At times amidst of all these things, it appears that the Lord is absent. In fact the Lord is not absent 

Our life lived in *Little While* has the direct link to the life in eternity 

So we need to take seriously the life in *Little While*

*5) My life and the Little While*

How do I see my life in Little While?

What is my reaction, when I am not be see the Lord, for a little while? 

How does the little while influences my life?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*