Gospel of the Sunday (John 16:16–22)
At that time Jesus said to his disciples A little while, and now you shall not see me: and again a little while, and you shall see me: because I go to the Father. Some of his disciples therefore said one to another What is this that he saith to us: A little while, and you shall not see me: and again a little while, and you shall see me: and, because I go to the Father? They said therefore What is this that he saith: A little while? we know not what he speaketh. And Jesus knew that they had a mind to ask him; and he said to them Of this do you inquire among yourselves, because I said: A little while, and you shall not see me: and again a little while, and you shall see me? Amen, amen I say to you, that you shall lament and weep, but the world shall rejoice; and you shall be made sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labour, hath sorrow, because her hour is come; but when she hath brought forth the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. So also you now indeed have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man shall take from you.
What does this mean, that he says: A little while, and you shall not see me, and again a little while, and you shall see me? This short time is the whole duration of the Church, until the Lord shall come. For what seems long to men is short with God, and therefore it is called a little while. This sorrow therefore is temporal, but the joy is eternal. (St. Augustine)