The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite contemplation of setbacks and successes in our journey as disciples of Jesus in the light of the mystery that both have been sources of enlightenment.
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| Setback and success on the path |
The poet Baruch addresses the Babylonian diaspora to show encouragement in the faith that God desires their return to Him in Jerusalem.
* [4:5–5:9] The poet addresses the exiles (vv. 5–9a), and then Zion personified is introduced, speaking to the nations and mourning the loss of her children (vv. 9b–16). She then addresses the exiles (vv. 17–29). Finally (4:30–5:9) the poet issues three calls to Jerusalem (4:30, 36; 5:5): she will see her children returning (4:22, 36–37; 5:5).1
Psalm 69 prays for public vindication of God’s justice.
Despite the pain, the psalmist does not lose hope that all be set right, and promises public praise (Ps 69:30–36). The Psalm, which depicts the suffering of the innocent just person vividly, is cited often by the New Testament especially in the passion accounts, e.g., Ps 69:5 in Jn 15:25; Ps 69:22 in Mk 15:23, 36 and parallels and in Jn 19:29. The Psalm prays not so much for personal vengeance as for public vindication of God’s justice. There was, at this time, no belief in an afterlife where such vindication could take place. Redress had to take place now, in the sight of all.2
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus celebrates the return of the seventy by offering praise of the Will of the Father.
* [10:21] Revealed them to the childlike: a restatement of the theme announced in Lk 8:10: the mysteries of the kingdom are revealed to the disciples. See also note on Mt 11:25–27.3
Colleen Chiacchere prays for each of us, humble pilgrims on our own journeys (and collective journey) towards God, with Jesus, that we don’t get too disappointed by setbacks or too self-congratulatory about successes. Let us continue to be aware and guided by Jesus as we accompany him in our everyday responsibilities, tasks and steps in this “ordinary time.
A theme for me that also surfaced here with these readings is the idea of journey. The disciples are with Jesus as he journeys toward Jerusalem. They are learning, listening, praying; literally and figuratively walking with him. Having recently participated in an Ignatian pilgrimage with a group of faculty, staff and student pilgrims from around Creighton to Spain and Rome, this notion of being a pilgrim has continued with me even on my return from the pilgrimage, to my regular life. I have been praying to be a companion on the journey with Jesus, as Ignatius was. Being a companion often reveals successes and spiritual lessons. Being a companion is often difficult and involves walking uphill.4
Don Schwager quotes “The power of the Kingdom of God,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).
"He also gave the holy apostles power and might even to raise the dead, cleanse lepers, heal the sick, and by the laying on of hands to call down from heaven the Holy Spirit on anyone they wanted. He gave them power to bind and to loose people's sins. His words are 'I say to you, whatever you will bind on earth, will be bound in heaven (Matthew 18:18). Whatever you will loose on earth, will be loosed in heaven.' These are the things we see ourselves possessing. Blessed are our eyes and the eyes of those of all who love him. We have heard his wonderful teaching. He has given us the knowledge of God the Father, and he has shown him to us in his own nature. The things that were by Moses were only types and symbols. Christ has revealed the truth to us. He has taught us that not by blood and smoke, but rather by spiritual sacrifices, we must honor him who is spiritual, immaterial and above all understanding." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 67)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 10:17-24 recalls that when the disciples come to Jesus thrilled with their success in today’s Gospel, he affirms them, but he also cautions them not to focus only on their performance. He wants them to know that their relationship with him is just as important as, if not more than, miracles. He wants them to grasp the privilege of being citizens of heaven.
It’s easy to get caught up in being “productive” Christians. It’s natural to feel a sense of affirmation and godly pride when we exercise our faith and see God work through us. But what if we became unable to do those things—maybe through illness or maybe because our efforts just seemed to go nowhere?
When this happens, keep a couple of things in mind. First, Jesus cares for all of us, even those who can’t “produce” anything. Think of an infant or someone lying unresponsive in a hospital bed. Their dignity is undiminished, and his love is undimmed.
Second, God loves who you are much more than what you do for him. He knows how much you’re trying to do for his kingdom—and where you can do better. As he did for the disciples, he will affirm the work you are doing and help you see how you might go even further.
And third, Jesus always calls you his own. And that’s more than enough cause for rejoicing!6
Friar Jude Winkler notes the change in tone of poet Baruch from the lamentation of yesterday. Those who are in exile from God are receiving the life they have chosen. Friar Jude reminds us how the blessing praised by Jesus in Luke’s Gospel, resonates with the theme of the trust of God by the anawim of Yahweh.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, invites us to practice “sacred reading” (lectio divina) using the prayer often attributed to Francis of Assisi. Lectio divina is a contemplative way to read short passages of sacred text and discover meanings running deeper than the literal layer. There are many variations of sacred reading; all are an invitation to take a “long, loving look” at some aspect of life, with scripture, poetry, music, or nature. With the first reading of the Peace Prayer, listen with your heart’s ear for a phrase or word that stands out for you. During the second reading, reflect on what touches you, perhaps speaking that response aloud or writing in a journal. After reading the passage a third time, respond with a prayer or expression of what you have experienced and ask yourself what this passage calls you to do or be. Finally, after a fourth reading, rest in silence.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury, pardon;where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light;where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seekto be consoled as to console,to be understood as to understand,to be loved as to love.For it is in giving that we receive,it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.Amen.7
We celebrate our place as humble pilgrims on our journey with Jesus and rejoice in our experience of this enlightenment.
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