Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter – Ascension
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Jn 16: 16-20
May 18, 2023 | Thursday
A little while, and you will see me no more; and then a little while, and you will see me.”
Some of the disciples wondered, “What does he mean by, ‘A little while, and you will not see me; and then a little while, and you will see me’? And why did he say, ‘I go to the Father’?” And they said to one another, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”
Jesus knew that they wanted to question him; so he said to them, “You are puzzled because I told you that in a little while you will see me no more, and then a little while later you will see me.
Truly, I say to you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.
Today’s Reflection:
Today, Jesus’ disciples were confused upon hearing His words, “For a little while you will not see me, but after a while, you will see me.” Jesus knew they were upset, and He realized that they had many questions they wanted to ask Him. He said to them,“I know you are wondering what I meant when I said: “You won’t see me for a while but after a while, you will see me… Yes, you will cry and be sad, but the world will be happy. You will be sad, but later your sadness will become joy.” The disciples were even more confused by these words. What was he saying? What did His words mean to them?
The disciples did not understand that Jesus was appointing them to be the messengers who would carry His words and teachings to the whole world. At this point, they were afraid of Jesus disappearing once again. Jesus was empowering them and calling them to share His message of love and salvation with the people of the world. Jesus promised that He will always be with them, although it would be in a very different way. At times, we may not understand Jesus’ instructions to us. We may become confused and afraid. However, if we trust in Jesus, His plan for us will unfold and we will sense that Jesus is walking beside us and guiding us! Today and every day, may we pray for one another that we will trust Jesus in all things. /Vulnerasti, 2023
