The Mystery of *'A Little While'*

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Sixth  Week :  Thursday*

*Gospel : Jn 16:16-20*

*First Reading : Acts 18:1-8*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4*

*The Mystery of *'A Little While'*

*1)The Mystery of Time in God's Plan*

In John 16, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His crucifixion, resurrection, and eventual ascension.

The “little while” speaks to a brief separation—His impending death—and a subsequent reunion—His resurrection. 

From the disciples’ perspective, confusion and sorrow would reign. 

But from God’s eternal view, this “little while” is part of the redemptive arc of salvation.

God’s sense of time is different from ours. What seems long and painful to us may be a “little while” in the scope of eternity. 

God’s timing is perfect, even when it is mysterious.

*2) Suffering Is Temporary, Glory Is Eternal*

The phrase also speaks deeply to human suffering. Jesus says in John 16:20:

*“You will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.”*

This “little while” of suffering is a season through which we pass, not our destination. 

God allows it not to crush us, but to refine and prepare us for something greater.

*3) A Call to Patience and Watchfulness*

The “little while” teaches us to wait and watch faithfully.

It’s a season of trust, where we hold on to the promise that sorrow will turn into joy, absence into presence, death into life.

Hebrews 10:37: *“For yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay.”*

This points to the second coming of Christ. Believers live in a state of *“already but not yet,”* awaiting the fullness of redemption.

*4) The Resurrection and Presence of Christ*

Jesus was saying that His death would be only a temporary separation. 

The disciples would mourn, but then rejoice when He appeared again. 

It points both to the resurrection and to the abiding presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit.

This *“little while”* is not just about physical absence; it teaches us to perceive Jesus' presence spiritually.

*5) Concluding Thought*

*“A little while”* is both a comfort and a challenge. It reminds us that:

Our current struggles are temporary.

Christ’s promises are sure.

Joy follows sorrow.

God’s timing is trustworthy, even when unclear.

In times of grief, waiting, or confusion, we are invited to live with hope, because after "a little while," we will see Him again.

*“Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”* — Psalm 30:5

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*