Msgr. Pope on the Brevity and Urgency of Life

"There is a passage in John 16 that is unusual for its repetition. This past Sunday it was the assigned Gospel in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. The expression 'in a little while' is repeated seven times in the brief passage. Its repetition is almost to the point of being annoying, such that the reader is tempted to say, 'All right, already. I get it!' Obviously, John, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit want to drill this point into us.

. . . A little while! This text is a perfect illustration of the old expression repetitio mater studiorum (repetition is the mother of studies). We're supposed to lay hold of this because it clearly was significant to the Lord. . . .
 
"Contextually, the Lord seems to be referring to the brief time between His death and His resurrection. Indeed, that time was brief. . . .

"In a more extended and pastoral context, the words of Jesus are also intended for us. He wants us to grasp that 'in a little while' we will see Him. 

"This is a very important perspective for us to gain: life is short! This truth is both consoling and challenging."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the shortness of life and on how, in a little while, "we must report to the judgment seat of Christ for a very honest conversation."

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: "Just a Little While Longer…" - A Meditation on the Brevity and Urgency of Life (30 MAY 19)