16. Instead of ού the best supported Greek text reads οὐκέτι (no longer), and omits the words “because I go to the Father.” We are not, however, convinced that the Vulgate is wrong in retaining the words, for the next verse, where they are certainly genuine, makes it clear that our Lord must have used the words here; though, of course, it is possible that St. John did not record them. *A little while.* There are two probable interpretations of the two “little whiles.” According to one, the first “little while” is the short time until Christ’s death, and _after_ that they should not see Him; then another “little while,” namely the three days that His body was in the grave, and _after_ that they should see Him risen to a glorious and immortal life. According to the other, the first “little while” is the time until the ascension, and _after_ that they should see Him no longer among them on earth; the second “little while” is the time from the ascension until the day of general judgment, and _after_ that they should see Him for ever, their joy no man should take from them (verse 22), and they would require to ask Him no questions (verse 23), because all would be clear in the light of the beatific vision. We prefer the latter view; for when Christ goes on in the following verses to explain, His words, especially in verses 22 and 23, are not easily or naturally understood in the first interpretation. For, though the Apostles did rejoice after His resurrection (John xx. 20), and though that glorious event with all that it implied must have been to them a source of lasting joy, still they had very many occasions for sorrowing subsequently. Besides, we know that after His resurrection they put Him questions (Acts i. 6). Hence, we prefer to hold that the second “little while” (with the Lord a thousand years are as one day, 2 Peter iii. 8) shall terminate with the day of judgment, for then only shall they require to put Him no questions, and both body and soul shall be for ever happy. *Because I go to the Father.* Some connect with both the preceding members. Others, as Mald., only with the first member—you shall not see Me, because I go to the Father. 17. Dixerunt ergo ex 17. Then some of his disciples discipulis eius ad invicem: said one to another: What is Quid est hoc quod dicit nobis: this that he saith to us: A Modicum, et non videbitis me: little while, and you shall et iterum modicum: et not see me: and again a little videbitis me, et quia vado ad while, and you shall see me, Patrem? and because I go to the Father? 18. Dicebant ergo: Quid est 18. They said therefore: What hoc quod dicit Modicum: is this that he saith, A nescimus quid loquitur. little while? we know not what he speaketh.