WORD FOR THE DAY

5th December 2017

Gospel Reading : Luke 10:21-24

“In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will”. Luke 10:21

When the seventy-two disciples who had been sent on a mission by Jesus return and report to Jesus about the success of their mission, Jesus corrects the notion of the success of their mission. It is not enough to have authority over earthly or even evil powers but one has to belong to the kingdom of heaven. Jesus then praises the Heavenly Father for pouring out His graces of wisdom and power upon those who are humble and trusting like “children”. The message of God’s kingdom is revealed to the little ones – the simple, the humble, the ignorant and the sinful – instead of the wise and learned religious leaders of the time. The little ones in their humility are open to His message. Only the humble in heart can receive the wisdom which comes from God and the understanding of God’s perfect goodness and plan for their lives. Jesus also makes a claim that He is the perfect revelation of God. In Jesus we see the perfect love of God – a God who cares intensely and loving us to the point of laying down His life for us upon the cross. Jesus makes it possible for each of us to personally know God as our Father. Jesus also praises His disciples for being fortunate to see and hear the things which others longed to see and hear. Discipleship therefore includes belonging to the kingdom of God and humbling oneself to accept the call of God. In what way have we truly become disciples of Jesus? Do we seek to belong to the kingdom of God in all humility and simplicity of heart?