Written by Sr. Rosemary Finnegan, O.P.
Readings from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120319.cfm
I’m not getting any promotional fees for this, but if you haven’t seen the movie about Mr. Rogers, “It’s a Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood”, don’t miss it. The reality is, Mr. Rogers isn’t the main character. That role is played by a very cynical journalist who reluctantly agrees to interview Fred Rogers. The story is about the friendship that develops between this hardened journalist as he comes to know the authentically calm and patient Mr. Rogers and his faith-based philosophy of gratitude, forgiveness, and kindness that he beautifully conveys to children. Eventually, the journalist’s attitude changes and his childlike attitude is recaptured.
I mention this movie because both readings today mention children:
- In Isaiah: “a little child will guide them.” (Isaiah 11:6)
- In Luke: “What you have hidden from the learned and the clever, you have revealed to the childlike.” (Luke 10:21)
Obviously, Jesus wants us to reflect on, and perhaps recapture, our childlike attitude and the values we also need to practice in our complicated lives…gratitude, simplicity, forgiveness, kindness.
In our gospel today, we are given a rare glimpse into the personal prayer of Jesus, which is one of joy. Right before this passage, the 72 disciples whom Jesus had sent out to preach, had just returned to him. When they were initially sent out, they went with great apprehension. And no wonder. When they were being sent, Jesus told them that
- they were being sent out as “lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:3).
- they would experience a great deal of rejection (Luke 10:10-16).
- they were sent out with no provisions (Luke 10:4).
- they were told to eat whatever you were served (Luke 10:7-8).
As hesitant as they were in the beginning with those instructions, they came back rejoicing because, as they said to Jesus with great amazement: “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Apparently, they had been relatively successful in their mission.
What we heard today is Jesus’ response to the enthusiasm and joy of the seventy. It is warm and affirming: he shares their childlike joy at doing being his disciples and spreading his message. Most importantly, Jesus goes on to tell them that their joy is the joy of salvation, and he is the One who reveals God’s salvation to them.
St. Francis Xavier, who was mentored by St. Ignatius, certainly had that childlike simplicity and humility in his missionary work. Serving most of his life in India, he lived with the poorest people, ministering to the sick, instructing, baptizing, and establishing missions. From his many letters, we know he always was filled with joy.
During Advent, we now have a graced opportunity to reflect on Jesus, how well we know and follow him, and hopefully, recapture our childlike attitude as his disciples.
