17 December | Youth

Longing

«Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.» 2 John 1:12

According to some linguists, the word “saudade” is one of the most difficult to translate in the world. The expressions te extraño in Spanish and I miss you in English try, but fail, to define the dimension of the Portuguese-Brazilian feeling of “saudade.” The term, originating from the Latin solitas, describes the pain of those who are far from their loved one. For poet Mário Quintana, this feeling is so deep that “it makes things stop in time.”

Do you miss someone? Have you ever been heartbroken for missing a friend or relative? I remember the moving scene of reunion between Korean family members who were separated for more than six decades. Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the border between the countries has remained closed.

However, since 2010, the two countries have been organizing limited meetings between relatives who have been separated by conflict. Lee Geum-Sum, for example, is a 92-year-old woman who has not seen her son since he was three years old. Their reunion took place in 2020. “I probably won’t recognize him,” she said. “Now he’s 71.” When they met, there was a deep commotion. Both had a lot to tell. Unfortunately, after a few hours, they had to say, perhaps, their last goodbye.

Today's verse describes the immense longing that the apostle John had for his church. For the beloved disciple, sending letters or praying for “little children in faith” was not enough. The pastor wanted more. The only solution was a “face-to-face” reunion. While that moment did not arrive, John advised his flock to practice love, obedience and keep watch against false doctrines.

John certainly reproduced the same feeling as Jesus. Before dying, the Master said: “I will see you again and your heart will rejoice” (John 16:22). Jesus does not like to feel homesick either. His greatest desire is to see His house full of people saved by grace. Do you want to participate in this meeting? There will be no more goodbyes. This is one of the lessons from the shortest book of the Bible.