Eastertide Day 40 Thursday May 29 2025
John 16: 16-20 Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”
17 At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” 18 They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.”
19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? 20 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
In this passage, Jesus prepares His disciples for His impending departure, telling them, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” He acknowledges their confusion and sorrow but assures them that their grief will turn into joy. This moment reflects the profound mystery of Easter: the sorrow of Good Friday giving way to the joy of the Resurrection.
As Eastertide unfolds, this passage invites us to trust in God’s timing and to hold on to the joy that comes from Christ’s resurrection. It encourages us to persevere through our own trials, knowing that God’s love will bring new life and joy in ways we may not yet understand.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know the pain of separation and the hope of reunion.
In times of sorrow and confusion, help me to remember your promise that joy will come.
Strengthen my faith to trust in your timing and to wait patiently for your presence.
Fill my heart with the peace that only you can give,
And let me share your joy with those around me.
Thank you for your resurrection, which brings new life and hope.
Amen.