First Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14c Responsorial: Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 Second Reading: Galatians 6:14-18 Gospel Passage: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
Ordinary Joy by Msgr. Richard Henning
We are nearly halfway through the Sundays of “Ordinary Time.” This designation marks Sundays that fall outside of seasons like Advent, Lent, or Easter. Unlike other more focused liturgical seasons, the Sundays of Ordinary Time do not have a particular thematic organization. Nevertheless, even in Ordinary Time we continue to celebrate extraordinary mysteries. Every Sunday gives cause to rejoice in the goodness of God.
The First Reading is taken from the last section of the Book of Isaiah (usually designated as Third or Trito-Isaiah). The passage is set amidst prophetic judgment. Isaiah criticizes false worship and those who focus on the mere details of worship. Despite the warnings, the verses we hear today trumpet God’s grace as the author of goodness and life. In stirring language, Isaiah speaks of the delivery of the people. Their trials are no more than labor pains as the Lord brings birth and cause for rejoicing. Jerusalem will nurse them tenderly and the Lord will comfort them with the same tenderness of a loving mother. Isaiah’s imagery is beautiful and moving, reminding us of God’s care for us - and God’s desire that we have the fullness of life.
Our second passage comes from Paul’s letter to the Galatians and his ongoing dispute with those who wanted Gentile converts to observe Jewish Law. In this passage, Paul addresses the claim that male converts must be circumcised according to the ancient practice of the Mosaic Law. In the strongest terms, Paul rejects this assertion. In a way that must have been shocking to some of his readers, he dismisses the importance of such an outward sign in light of the new creation possible in Christ. And if they must have physical marks of transformation, Paul offers the example of himself and “the marks of Jesus” (6:17) that Paul bears. (The word Paul employs in Greek, “stigmata,” has raised the question of whether Paul might have carried the wounds of Christ. However, the word in its original context referred to the practice of branding to indicate ownership. Paul may be referring literally to the scars of beatings or more figuratively to the rigors of his missions.) Although Paul is engaged in disputing foes with regard to circumcision, he continues to set his argument in the larger context of joyful revelation. Paul finds joy in the cross of Christ and embraces a new possibility of relationship to God. It is that grace that he offers to the Galatians with his closing salutation.
In the Gospel passage from Luke, Jesus continues His journey to Jerusalem and the fate that awaits Him there. Here Jesus sends forth pairs of disciples on mission with instructions about how they should travel, accept hospitality, and face rejection. Due to inconsistency in the ancient texts, there is a dispute about whether we should read seventy or seventy-two as the number of disciples sent forth. If seventy, then there may be an allusion to Moses summoning seventy elders to assist him (Exodus 24:1).
The source for Luke’s account of the mission is probably “Q.” There are parallel verses in Matthew, but no instance of such a commission in Mark. The variations from the Matthean account suggest that Luke is connecting this account with the missionary practice of his own day. The details of the mission indicate that time is short. They are not to concern themselves with details of travel or organization, but to hurry forth to the harvest prepared by the Lord. They are warned of opposition, but also told of the hospitality and assistance they will need and receive. Despite the opposition, note that the disciples return rejoicing and Jesus reminds them to rejoice in the fundamental fact of the gracious salvation offered by God. They may not need sack or sandals, but this task requires joy.
Our society is not always welcoming or understanding of our faith. However, we are not to fall into the trap of “gloom and doom.” In our mission, even in our disputes, we have a joy that cannot be contained. All opposition, and all suffering, pale before the joy of knowing the tender love of God poured forth in His Son, Jesus Christ.
