The Word God Spells

John 16: 16-20
Acts 18:1-8 / Ps 98

A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me.
John 16:16

Life’s journey’s just a passing mile,
Endure the pains, the grief, the toil.
Have hope that in a little while
Our Lord will turn our tears to joy.

In the upper room, Jesus told His apostles, “A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me.” They said to one another, “What does he mean by saying to us, ‘A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” They said, “What does he mean by this ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Are you discussing among yourselves what I meant when I said, ‘A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’? Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices, you will grieve, but your grief will turn into joy.”

Reflection

Time was fast ticking away where Jesus was taking His last supper with the apostles. He wanted to tell them so many things, but He knew their limitations (the Holy Spirit would soon take care of that). “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now” (Jn.16:12). But it seemed that the more He tried to express His feelings, the more His apostles became confused. In their bewilderment, Jesus could only assure them that in the end, everything will be alright. “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices, you will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” (Jn.16:20)

God’s consoling words come in unexpected ways, and I’m glad it came as it did to a couple dear to us, who have been suffering because of their problem with their youngest son, whom they finally confirmed to be a heavy user of metamphetamines (shabu). We offered a nine-day novena for the success of his rehabilitation in Tagaytay, where they would bring their son. A few months of rehabilitation is just a “little while” in exchange for a lifetime of freedom from this scourge that has enslaved hundreds of thousands with its powerful addiction.

It can take a while longer for another dear friend and brother in Christ, who recently lost his wife of forty-two years to lung cancer. He too clings to the consoling hope that it’s not going to be a very long wait until he is reunited with his beloved in heaven. In the meantime, he knows he can make the most of his time by offering prayers during hours of loneliness — in union with the Lord’s suffering on the cross –for the religious missionaries who are also enduring their long absence from their loved ones for the sake of the Gospel.

My own trial as “instant” Namfrel chairman has turned out to be very brief, as the pressure from the media and Manila headquarters for the election results have dramatically eased, now that we are almost halfway through with our tabulation of the election results. The fear of failure was unnecessary, after all.

At times it takes a little while before our prayers are answered, but God wants us to trust Him, that no matter how long it takes, in the end it will work out for the best. After all, He knows far better than we do what is good for us.

Teach us, o Lord, to be patient and trusting, and to leave everything to You. Amen.