Scripture:
Isaiah 66:10-14c
Galatians 6:14-18
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
Reflection:
Some time ago, I sat in a meeting of vital importance to the attendees, where a young mother nursed her baby. She did this discreetly, but I couldn’t help but notice. Oddly enough, the topic for the meeting was turning our will and life over to the care of God. Many people shared their experiences of doing this, but I couldn’t help but think how that baby presented a live demonstration for me and all of us awake enough to observe what was happening in our midst.
Periodically, maybe daily, I make the mistake of turning on the News. Of course, I discover nothing new, more of the same mayhem, fighting and killing in the world. I understand that the media must present material that grabs our attention. They need to sell their products and pay their news people and oh yes, make a profit for the investors. I often wonder why, though the Good News Isaiah speaks to in today’s reading doesn’t sell, doesn’t get us to watch with awe and wonder:
“For thus says the LORD:
Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river,
and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent.
As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms,
and fondled in her lap;
as a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.” (IS 66: 12-13)
Or what about what Luke tells us:
The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said,
“Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.”
Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.
Behold, I have given you the power to ‘tread upon serpents’ and scorpions
and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you,
but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (LK 10: 17-20)
Maybe it’s too good to be true. I don’t believe it is. I believe these things Isaiah and Luke talk to us about today are happening all around us. We just need to turn our cameras on them and like the baby at a mother’s breast take in the nourishment and trust in God, our Mother.
Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists. He lives in Chicago.