Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Lectionary: 294

Jesus said to his disciples:
“A little while and you will no longer see me,
and again a little while later and you will see me.”

Detail of chapel window
in Monte Casino Shrine
Saint Meinrad, Indiana

The Scriptures often repeat important expressions, thus encouraging us to sit up and pay attention. This particular saying of Jesus -- “A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me.” – is stated and repeated twice. Anything said three times in the space of a dozen lines is very important. It points to a mystery which might not be understood but should be pondered.

Jesus explains it thus, “because I am going to the Father” and “you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”

There are some mysteries that can only be lived and this is one. We know about weeping and mourning, except we often think such things should not happen. In a medically sophisticated society that postpones death as long as possible, some people are unfamiliar with grief. They have never known the death of a loved one and, when it comes, they think they’re falling apart. “What is this?” they ask their ministers and counselors. “It’s called grief. Nothing to worry about; perfectly normal.” they're told; but it doesn’t feel normal.

And then they take some pills to cure them of this unfamiliar disease, which only prolongs and complicates the problem. It is better to sit with grief, welcome her like a friend and enjoy her company. She has much wisdom to teach a willing student.

Detail of chapel window
in Monte Casino Shrine
Saint Meinrad, Indiana

“Because I am going to the Father” reminds us that, though he died to save us, we are not the center of Jesus’ world. He belongs to the Father and loves God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. Although we worship him, he does not worship us. But if we imitate him and worship his Father, we’ll understand.

The thrice-said expression also assures us, “you will see me.” We live between his first and second coming. Not even Jesus knew how long that might be, but we hope in the promise he has made. We wait quietly with our breviaries, rosary beads and open hearts saying, “Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus." and "When, Lord, will you come?”